Figures of Earth · Chapter
Part II: The Book of Spending explained
Manuel, having heard tales of the Queen of Furies and Gobblins and Hydraes, becomes enamored with her without ever seeing her.
What happens
Manuel, having heard tales of the Queen of Furies and Gobblins and Hydraes, becomes enamored with her without ever seeing her. Using his cunning, he creates a hole in the fire and crosses over to meet her, where he reveals his intentions.
Themes in this chapter
The Illusion of Success
Manuel's pursuit of the Queen based on hearsay reflects the deceptive allure of unearned or imagined triumphs.
Appearances vs. Reality
Manuel falls in love with a woman he has never seen, highlighting the tension between perceived beauty and actual truth.
Characters to notice
- Dom Manuel
Manuel is driven by hearsay and desire, using his cunning to cross through fire to meet the Queen.
- Freydis
The Queen of Furies and Gobblins and Hydraes, whose fabled beauty captivates Manuel sight unseen.
Key passages
“Often tymes herde Manuel tell of the fayrness of this Queene of Furies and Gobblins and Hydraes , insomuch that he was enamoured of hyr, though he neuer sawe hyr: then by this Connynge made he a Hole in the fyer, and went ouer to hyr, and when he had spoke with hyr, he shewed hyr his mynde.”
Manuel often heard stories about the beauty of the Queen of Furies, Gobblins, and Hydraes, and he fell in love with her without ever seeing her. So, using his cleverness, he made an opening in the fire, crossed over to her, and after speaking with her, revealed his intentions.
This passage captures Manuel's impulsive desire and cunning, setting the stage for his encounter with Freydis.