(urth) The mystery of the image of an astronaut cleaned by Rudesind

[António Pedro Marques]

Ryan Dunn wrote (08-07-2010 05:55):

> The only think I've drawn from this discourse, and my own deduction, is
> that Inire is watching over Severian throughout his journey. Is he
> shaping it? Is Severian nothing more than the puppet controlled by Inire?
> There is certainly text to suggest that ("When I first came to court I
> was told, as a great secret, that it was Father Inire who really
> determined the policy of the Commonwealth. When I had been there two
> years, a man very highly placed - I can't even tell you his name - said
> it was the Autarch who ruled, though to those in the House Absolute it
> might seem that it was Father Inire.").

(I think this view has flaws, but as I've said I'm not out to get them.)

> And if that is the case, doesn't it turn the entire "hero quest" on its
> head?

*Now* you've produced something. So, if Inire guides Severian's whole 
journey (I still don't see why he must be Rudesind for that, but...), what 
does that mean for Severian and the 'quest' (if indeed there is a quest)?
This is what I want to read about in copious amounts, not just one sentence.

> To me, that is reason enough to look for evidence that supports
> this notion of Inire being a watcher throughout this journey, and the
> more 'under our nose' he is, the better.
>
> I don't know where that puts me in your silo structure, but I believe
> that anything a book *does* to a person cannot be quarantined as invalid
> or inappropriate. I am sure Wolfe appreciates all and any pondering over
> his canon.

If you bake this quite elaborate cake and what the people go on endlessly 
about is whether or not you used some given ingredient, you may appreciate 
it as well inasmuch as that expresses their satisfaction with your work, but 
that doesn't mean you feel rewarded by your effort.