bsharp's Inire theory

Jeff Wilson · 09 Jul 2008, 19:09 · from 2008-July.txt.gz

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From: jwilson at io.com (Jeff Wilson)
Date: Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:09:08 -0500
Subject: (urth) bsharp's Inire theory
In-Reply-To: <BAY103-W1ADECAA3E915CB203F874D7960 at phx.gbl>
References: <BAY103-W1ADECAA3E915CB203F874D7960 at phx.gbl>
Message-ID: <48750CD4.6030104 at io.com>

b sharp wrote:
> Jeff Wilson asks: 
>> Dare I ask for something that indicates they are shapeshifters, regardless
>> of the point being made? Y'know, objectively?
> 
> I think there may be a difference in interpretation. I've noted before I tend
> to interpret the story more from an artistic perspective than scientific.

It doesn't have to be scientific evidence, just textual evidence.

> 
> Jeff I am a bit unclear if you are being serious or specious on your mentions that you think
> Juturna is Severian's sister.  I can see some evidence she is a family member but what
> are the reasons you are thinking sister?

I'm serious in thinking she is a contender for sister, and I am serious 
that she is a candidate for shapeshifting dopplegangerhood, more so than 
Inire.

I'm still assembling my case, but to summarize:

  - Undine-hood accounts for any differences in coloring and height

  - sibling relationship explains J's inconsistent behavior as 
conflicting loyalty to Abaia and to brother

  - J doesn't just save Sev from drowning, but apparently passes on 
water-breathing gift, effectively saving him from *ever* drowning and 
explains how he is able to spend hours or days underwater late in URTH 
even when he has lost his mojo

  - Merryn is a stunted, land-raised changeling

-- 
Jeff Wilson - jwilson at io.com
< http://www.io.com/~jwilson >

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