Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Bad Dunwell's avatar

I'm currently on chapter 27 and I can't wait for your thoughts on some of the exciting developments that happen later on! I've been reflecting on the nature of this new and uncanny evolution in Severian and Thecla's relationship. In a very real and strange sense she is reborn in Severian, resurrected. Our protagonist has become a new creation, a fusion between Severian and Thecla, although not a perfect one.

He is now a being who has male and female characteristics, or point of views as a result. A male and female side, just as the blade of his Terminus Est has a male and female edge. And I agree with your observation that his perfect memory has strengthened the potency of Thecla's memories within his psyche, since he's obviously grappling with them. They are invasive, and seem to threaten to consume him entirely at points.

I also suspect that the claw, which has the power to alter reality, might be contributing to this dilemma, this phenomenon. As if its power seeks to make Thecla incarnate through Severian. And this seems to track with what Thecla told Severian about the time when her mother was in labor with her, she had the servants take her to the Vatic Fountain, where apparently one can see their future, and that she had a vision of Thecla seated on the throne. We know Severian becomes the future Autarch. So in a way, Thecla's mother's propechy turned out to be true.

I've noticed a theme of duality with the characters. Maybe duality isn't the word. So many pairs of characters... Always two. Master Palaemon and Gurloes, Dr. Talos and Baldanders, Agia and Agilus, Thea and Thecla... Vodalus and Valeria? The Autarch and Severian? And now we have Severian and Thecla forever intertwined.

This reminds me of the mirror motif, with Father Inire's occult, faster than light speed travel technology based on the concept of reflections. Characters seem to me to be bifurcated, mirroring each other. Enough from me! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and I look forward to more of your amazing essays on this amazing work!

Expand full comment
1 more comment...

No posts