GRGR (7): The minotaur

[Lars Frehse]

Hi everybody,
On Page 142 to 143 Pointsman reflects on defeating the minotaur and the
labyrinth. He wants a go at the Nobel Prize, of course, but I think
there´s actually more to it than that.
First of all, I think that Slothrop is not the minotaur, for this
Bull-Man is older in Pointy´s awarenes than that American Lieutenant:

"Oh yes once you know, he did believe in a Minotaur waiting for him:"
(142.14) and "Years ago. Dreams he hardly remembers."(143.18).

Yet there is definetly a connection between Slothrop and the ruler of
the labyrinth for:

"But now with Slothrop in it [...] MIght Pointsman get to have a go at
the minotaur after all?" (143.22)

After rereading those two pages a couple of times I came to the
following conclusion: The labyrinth is the human brain. When we look at
the human brain (at a picture I mean, don´t try it actually at home!) it
looks very much like one. Also it has the colour of wax and in Pointys
dream of defeating the labyrinth the main chamber "flow[s] like wax"
(143.14). Here Ned´s subconscious may have associated the waxen
complexion of brain tissue with actual wax. Speaking of subconscious:
I´m no psychologist but this dark region of man´s mind is often likened
to a labyrinth.
Finally I´d like to add, that to Pointsman the full understanding of the
human brain is as important as saving Ariadne was to this old greek chap
who´s name I´ve forgotten.
Now the mad scientist, who has already unlocked every secret dog´s
cortex may have to offer, tries to do the same with the human brain- and
he believes Tyrone is the key. At the very least the American will give
insight into the interface of the human cortex. (144.23) Pointy thinks
he can overcome the old master of the brain (the minotaur) and replace
him thus starting a new age of reason.
Pointsman actually persuades himself, that the experiments he does with
Slothrop are for a greater good even if "the man will suffer"(144.24).

Walking the labyrinth without a string,
    Lars