# Knot VI: Her Radiancy explained — A Tangled Tale

> Chapter companion for A Tangled Tale by Lewis Carroll.

## What happens

Balbus and Norman arrive in Kgovjni and are taken to the palace, where they meet the Governor and are presented to Her Radiancy. The Governor explains that they must judge a competition among three scarf-makers—Lolo, Mimi, and Zuzu—who differ in rate of work, weight, and warmth. The travellers are then locked in a dungeon to perform the calculation, with the threat of bamboo beatings if they delay.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mathematical Reasoning

The central puzzle involves comparing rates, weights, and warmth of scarves to determine the winner among Lolo, Mimi, and Zuzu.

### Humor and Absurdity

The exaggerated threats of bamboo beatings, the peacock-lined halls, and the characters' punning complaints create a comedic tone.

### Social Critique

The arbitrary power of Her Radiancy and the Governor's bureaucratic menace critique authoritarian rule and colonial absurdities.

## Character check-ins

### Balbus

The elder traveller who is anxious and pessimistic about their situation.

### Norman

The younger traveller who remains calm and takes notes on the competition details.

### Kgovjni

The Governor who escorts the travellers and interprets for Her Radiancy.

### Lolo

One of the three scarf-making competitors.

### Mimi

One of the three scarf-making competitors.

### Zuzu

One of the three scarf-making competitors.

## Key lines

> “One piecee thing that my have got, Maskee 1 that thing my no can do. You talkee you no sabey what? Bamboo.”

The guide speaks in broken English, saying there is one thing he cannot do, and asks if they understand the word 'bamboo.'

_This introduces the threat of bamboo beatings for those who displease Her Radiancy._

> “Such persons as happen in any way to displease Her Radiancy are usually beaten with rods.”

The Governor explains that anyone who displeases the queen is beaten with bamboo rods.

_Establishes the stakes for the travellers._

> “Lolo makes 5 scarves while Mimi makes 2; but Zuzu makes 4 while Lolo makes 3! Again, so fairylike is Zuzu’s handiwork, 5 of her scarves weigh no more than one of Lolo’s; yet Mimi’s is lighter still⁠—5 of hers will but balance 3 of Zuzu’s! And for warmth one of Mimi’s is equal to 4 of Zuzu’s; yet one of Lolo’s is as warm as 3 of Mimi’s!”

The Governor describes the relative rates, weights, and warmth of the three competitors' scarves.

_This is the mathematical puzzle the travellers must solve._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_tangled_tale_se/chapters/knot-vi-her-radiancy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_tangled_tale_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_tangled_tale_se/chapters