(urth) Father Inire

[Lee Berman]

>Ryan Dunn: has anyone else commented on the fact that Rudesind refers to the Urth 
>in the painting as "your blue Urth," as though it belongs to Severian and not him?
 
I noticed also and it has been a part of my Father Inire theory. With recognition
that it could also simply be a folksy way of talking.
 
>I am beginning to think I am simply biased about wanting this man to resemble Inire now 
>(or Fechin or whomever else has monkey-like features and a weathered visage).
 
I like this part of your post the best.  Easy to understand your doubts. I think they are 
exactly what Gene Wolfe hopes to inspire. I applaud your method though. I think it is the 
correct one, i.e. to collect all the salient information pertaining to a mystery in one place 
and ponder it. Of course I agree with your assessment that placed all together, Rudesind seems 
more short than tall (and perhaps more alien than human).
 
Too often the opposite approach to Wolfe's mysteries is used, i.e. a particular position is
decided upon, then snips from the text are cherry picked to support that position, leaving
contradictory evidence out.
 
I often get the impression that Wolfe tries to inspire doubt in his readers in a parallel to
the doubts a man of faith must have, surrounded by a cynical, scientific world. The one
slim source of faith Wolfe has provided is found in the two interviews where he reveals that 
Dr. Marsch has indeed been imitated and replaced by an abo.
 
He deliberately placed so many seeds of doubt in the text regarding this, that a few very 
intelligent (albeit skeptical-leaning) long-term contributors on this board insisted that it did 
not happen. (these skeptics dropped off the board soon after the interviews came to light) 
 
I personally (in the real world) tend toward skepticism. But I believe Wolfe has laid traps
throughout his work designed to snare people exactly like me (and Dr. Crane). I think his 
message is that skepticism is a safe and understandable course to take, but if you eschew faith 
you will be missing out on many miracles and wonders (and horrors?). I was impressed with Marc's 
recent assertion that he fully embraces both science and religion. He isn't likely to miss out on 
anything! :- ))