The Knight & Wizard *spoiler warning*

[Alpha Crow]

Hi all. Big Gene Wolfe fan. One of the most amazing writers, not only makes it interesting and unique, but weaves several (if not more) stories into the main story, that require re-reading to even notice! I've done a lot of research into the New Sun and Long/Short Sun series. Now, I'm trying to learn about the Knight and the Wizard. Ok, I see he got his idea from the Book of Knights for Able becoming a man. My biggest questions are: is this Arthur Ormsby (the narrator) just imagining this as he's left alone out at a cabin? There are references to someone drowning in a lake trying to save someone and possibly an ambulance taking away our character. Those were dream sequences, caused by the string Parka gave him. Is this close to what really happens to Arthur? Is he dead/dying/comatose? King Gilling. Was it Garvaon who stabbed him twice? Why did Morcaine "divine" that Able did it? Why the heck did Setr think Able had a chance at Kulili? She's gigantic. Setr SEEMED to not think Able would have/get Eterne, so one guy with a sword versus a giant dragon... And lastly: Bold Berthold. He was a key figure in this whole series (much like most of Mr. Wolfe's books, the background figure may be the main figure). Why is Ben and Berthold the same? Why does Berthold, who is strong, but crippled, have so much to do with early Able and even thinks he's his younger brother despite the age difference. Did Parka give him that name to put him there to take on that role? Any answers/thoughts appreciated

 

[Alpha Crow]

Ok, guess that was a lot a once. Anyone know or can guess why Bold Berthold is also Ben?

 

[Stenevor]

Its a long time since I read it and to be honest I left the book with lots of questions unanswered. Whilst I enjoyed it Im afraid its not on my list of books to reread. If you havent already looked you could try this site URTH: Discussion of the works of Gene Wolfe the search engine is a bit of a disaster but if you click about a bit you might find the answers to some of your questions.

 

[Alpha Crow]

Well, searched around some more, but no luck. Been there before, has some good info on the Long Sun series

I'm really trying to figure out why Able is also Arthur Ormsby and Bold Berthold is Ben. Is this just Able daydreaming along at a cabin all alone? Or did he drown trying to save someone (like a dream of his mentioned) and he's in an ambulance having a out of body experience?

 

[GOLLUM]

HMMM....not sure, it's een some time since I red that. Then again the whole thing about Gene is his work can be interpreted on so manny levels we may all be right....