The name of the artist Joseph Severn, who was living with famous English poet John Keats when he died in Rome, looks a little bit like Severian. The only parallel I can see now is that Severn comforted the dying Keats whilst Severian comforted the doomed Thecla during her stay in the Matachin Tower. Does anyone think there is any connection?
Incidentally, I should take this moment to recommend Dan Simmon's Hyperion books. They are most interesting in their spin on the Severn-Keats relationship.
Christopher R. Culver <crculver at aol.com>
http://members.aol.com/crculver/index.html