The Critics’ Corner:
conversation about “Galen the Deathless”
with Danielle L. Parker and Don Webb
Hi Mike,
Thanks for critiquing my story, first off!
Just a couple quick comments: Caesar is not actually killed in this story (I see my ending was a little abrupt indeed, if it was confusing). There is a form of high-tech protection: the “blue lightning” that reaches up and suspends the sword in the air; it stops the falling blade, which “hangs” there, a visible symbol of defiance. Galen would be and is aware of this, of course. He has committed a public act of rebellion, all the same, which was his purpose.
Yes, in the backstory — which, of course, readers wouldn't be able to get more than a hint of — the aristocrats do indeed utilize the resurrection technology. Not only Caesar, more or less immortal, will have to be killed, but also his revenants. Rebellion is a bit of a problem here, isn't it? :-)
Galen's visits to the resurrection rooms are really to visit Aquila. He is obviously tormented by the fact that he has repeatedly killed Aquila, his most worthy opponent, who is continuously resurrected from his original 20-year old template. The “new” Galen will himself be twenty and remember nothing of this one's [his previous incarnation’s] ten years of life. “Our” Galen truly does die, which, as you noted, he welcomes.
Thanks again for the thoughtful critique, and I’ve much enjoyed our exchange!
Danielle
Copyright © 2005 by Danielle L. Parker
Apparently, then, “Galen the Deathless” is a chapter excerpted from a longer work; is that right?
The color blue is referred to only a few times in “Galen the Deathless”: once as a color of a fountain and the other times in reference to the sun. The “blue lightning” effect is not mentioned at all until the very end. Is it explained in a previous chapter we haven’t seen?
In the context we have, I’m afraid the “blue lightning” becomes a rabbit out of a magician’s hat. And that explains my interpreting it as visual symbolism rather than a technological trick.
A point of terminology: the aristocrats use a technology of resuscitation, not “resurrection.” The point will become more crucial than nitpicky if you plan to weave any theological allusions into the larger story, Danielle.
Meanwhile, keep up the good work!
Don Webb
Copyright © 2005 by Don Webb
The discussion may be continued and is open to all.
Please feel free to join in!
