Typhon's folly?

Andy Robertson · 08 Sep 2003, 12:48 · from urth-v0309.mbox · original

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From: "Andy Robertson" <andywrobertson at clara.co.uk>
Subject: Re: (urth) Typhon's folly?
Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2003 13:48:15 +0100
Message-ID: <urth-v0309-4076 at digest.urth.net>
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Nontheless, I really think we are missing something here.

Wolfe talks at one point of "local"  "solar" and "galactic" levels of
technology, right?

I think the fundamental significance of the Whorl is that it is a
starcrosser built be "solar" technology.  It does not have the almost
existential structure and function of the Ship.  It is complex and full of
wheels, not simple enough for a star-sailor to handle.   It is bounded
within the world of relativity, where events must follow one sequence (for
Wolfe clearly understands that FTL =3D time machine and therefore that the
Ship can travel back and forth in time).

In Wolfe, technology always has a symbolic function.    The "galactic"
levels of tech actually merge into the machineries of the Increate.   The
failure of Typhon to attain this level of being is signalled by the flaws
and malfunctions of his creation.

    hartshorn

----- Original Message -----
From: "Spectacled Bear" <spectacled.bear at pobox.com>
> True. But a small black hole would be a most excellent thing
> for hollowing out an asteroid. Of course, you would have to be
> careful not to drop it...
>
>

--=20

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