Challenge 116

In Conclusion

Three serials conclude in this issue: “The Kestron Lenses,” “Roxanne” and “Thaumaturgical Fracas.” What do all three endings have in common? How does each story give it meaning?

Both Michael Murry’s “Bread and Circuses” and Michael Hanson’s “Thaumaturgical Fracas” feature death in battle. How do the meaning and circumstances differ? Are they alike in any way?

Byron Bailey’s “Parchment” is a frame story, and the story within the story is literally enclosed in a kind of frame in our edition. It seems to have almost a double setting: the action takes place on earth but there are extensive references to Hell. Now, Hell appears to have suffered an overwhelming and destructive wave of “immigration.” In response, it has mounted a kind of counter-attack on earth.

If the story is read literally — i.e. Hell is an actual place — does it become a kind of sinister joke?
If the story is read allegorically — i.e. Hell is a state of mind — what does it imply in terms of a “larger story,” one that takes place on earth?