Literature/Discussion

PHANTOM PALACE REFLECTION

We’re not in Kansas anymore. (Wizard of Oz)

Whoever/Whatever has control is in control.  Rather obvious? What impacts how much leverage, pull on the rope (or string) is allowed? 

Is the Ambassador a benevolent dictator? 

Is the dictator a duped dictator?  

Is Marcia an unaware dictator?

· Consider Marcia. 

She is “arm candy” to her husband. 

She is release to El Benefactor. 

She is danger for both.

· Consider the indigenous people. They once were massive in number, then massacred, but wait, they are not eradicated.  In fact, they are a growing presence both literally and “magically.”  If El Benefactor, the peon, had a sense of his transitory place in the universe, he would know that their background “noise” would be there long after he is dust. They are, at the same, kindred “spirits” and humans to Marcia. There is a sense of eternity here. There is vapor. See them!  See them not.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Consider the railroad tracks. This sign of human might that cuts through virgin territory and desecrates the home of the indigenous - what force is greater than it?   What happens to steel over time?  When is a vine stronger than steel?   When it twists the steel rendering it useless. Where did its destination go?                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

· Consider the Phantom Palace. One day it is seen and the debauchery it brings;  years later the jungle reclaims its own. Without the physical reminder, was there ever a Phantom Place?  

 

What controls what?