I have also wondered why Silk habitually circularly caresses his cheek. A peculiar gesture which I don't believe is ever explained. A rather off-the- wall suggestion...The sacrament of Confirmation involves (or involved when I was confirmed) a ceremonial slap on the cheek by the Bishop. I forget the significance--I forget much--but, isn't the sacrament an initiation into "full mature membership" into the Christian Community? Perhaps Silk is still reeling from the Outsider's blow.
A bit off the wall, I know:)
Patrick O'Leary
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/patri10629/index.html">Patrick O'Leary's Home Page</A>
*This is WHORL, for discussion of Gene Wolfe's Book of the Long Sun.