The epigrams in *GR*

[jporter]

> From: "jbor" <jbor at bigpond.com>

        [snip]
 
> And Wernher, well ... So much of the text in *GR* is drawing our attention
> to exactly the sort of thing that good old Wernher sez about life after
> death. But the irony (I think) is that perhaps Wernher didn't quite believe
> what he was saying, that he was making up excuses for himself and his
> actions in *this* life and so actually missed the comfort that such a
> "truth" could have afforded.
>
 

Just a slitely different take on vB. Wernher seems to be speaking from
outside the novel proper, before it begins. He is speaking directly to the
audience. He is concerned for us- we who are about to enter the theater. He
will not be entering, natch, but he seeks to prepare and reassure us.To the
Liberace-like Blicero, he is a peculiar combination of noblesse and
shcmaltz, a scientific Lawrence Welk.

Here he is at the entrance-way, fixing us with his sparking eye, beckoning
us to enter. Meanwhile, Far above, brennschluss has already occurred. The
rocket, now soundless, has gone ballistic-\. It's too late. von Braun is
well aware of this. His car, a mercedes, purrs in the alley. Just a few more
minutes and it will all be over. "Come my friends, don't be delay, before
all the seats are taken..."

        Nature does not know extinction; all it
        knows is transformation. Everything science
        has taught me, and continues to teach me,
        strengthens my belief in the continuity of
        our spiritual existence after death.

 
Our?

jody