From: "Dan'l Danehy-Oakes" 
Subject: (urth) Vodalus and the Autarch
Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2002 08:41:15 -0800

Thinking about it, the relation between Vodalus and the Autarch is ...
interesting. It is implied at some points
that Vodalus serves the Autarch. At others, it's implied that the A. serves
V. (he's clearly a member of
V's organization). This peculiar relationship will continue in Severian's
reign, as he is a sworn Vodalarius;
even after V. is replaced by Agila, I think it continues. There's this
ongoing dynamism - a conflict between 
the tyrannical government and the rebels in the forest, on the surface, but
underneath they're engaged in an
actively symbiotic relationship. Perhaps this gives the people the illusion
of a choice of sides?

Oddly though, the relationship reminds me a great deal of the relationship
between Bokonon and
"Papa" Monzano in Vonnegut's CAT'S CRADLE...

--Blattid




--