Figures of Earth · Chapter
VI: Economics of Math explained
Manuel returns to his half-sister Math after his encounter at the pool of Haranton, where he saw Alianora the Unattainable Princess bathing.
What happens
Manuel returns to his half-sister Math after his encounter at the pool of Haranton, where he saw Alianora the Unattainable Princess bathing. He recounts his adventures on Vraidex and the strange meeting by the pool. Math burns the feather he took from Alianora, warning him of the dangers of robbing princesses. Manuel reflects on obligation, appearances, and his desire for a higher purpose, then sets off for Provence, leaving behind Suskind and his old life.
Themes in this chapter
The Geas of Obligation
Manuel feels a new bond and obligation after taking the feather from Alianora, reflecting his sense of duty and debt.
Appearances vs. Reality
Manuel reflects on how being properly dressed might have changed the Lady Gisèle's perception of him, and Math's saying 'the coat does not make the man' is contrasted with Manuel's belief in the power of appearances.
The Search for Meaning and Immortality
Manuel expresses a desire for 'a flight above pigs' and follows his own thinking and desire, seeking a higher purpose beyond his mundane life.
Characters to notice
- Dom Manuel
Returns to Math after his encounter at the pool, brooding over his adventures and his desire for something beyond pig-keeping.
- Sister Math
Manuel's half-sister, a miller's wife, who scolds him for neglecting his duties and burns the feather from Alianora to protect him.
- Alianora
The Unattainable Princess, seen bathing at the pool of Haranton; Manuel takes a feather from her robe.
- Suskind
Mentioned as lamenting for Manuel in the twilight; he leaves without taking leave of her.
- Niafer
Referenced as being settled in paradise; Manuel mourns her absence.
- Horvendile
Mentioned as the 'insane Horvendile' with whom Manuel talked about things that have been and are to be.
Key passages
“Even so my days consume, and my youth goes out of me, in a land wherein Suskind whispers of uncomfortable things, and wherein there are no maids so clever and dear as Niafer, nor so lovely as Alianora.”
Manuel laments that his life is wasting away, with Suskind troubling him and no one to compare to Niafer or Alianora.
Manuel expresses his melancholy and longing for lost loves.
“Boy, fast and loose is a mischancy game to play.”
Math warns Manuel that playing fast and loose with life is a risky game.
Math cautions Manuel about the dangers of his reckless pursuits.
“I must follow my own thinking and my own desire, and both of these are for a flight above pigs.”
Manuel declares he must pursue his own thoughts and desires, which aim higher than tending pigs.
Manuel asserts his ambition to transcend his humble origins.