Tuesday 11 February 2020

A Hidden Biblical Reference

The Game Of Empire, CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO.

When General Gatto asks Tangaroa Zachary to:

"'...explain to me what in God's name made you commit mass treason.'" (p. 443)

- the reply is:

"'We are that we are.'" (ibid.)

God's name is "I am that I am."

When I was a Religious Education teacher, a pupil reminded me that is also a slogan of Popeye.

We approach the conclusion of The Game Of Empire and might next revisit an earlier Flandry story.

See, as ever, the earlier article on Anderson's use of the Bible, here

3 comments:

Sean M. Brooks said...

Kaor, Paul!

Dang! I missed that Biblical allusion Anderson made during my previous readings of THE GAME OF EMPIRE. I THINK I remember wondering if it would have made more sense if Tangaroa Zachary had said: "We are WHAT we are." But that would have spoiled the hidden allusion Anderson was making.

Thanks for the flattering linking to my article about Anderson's use of the Bible.

Ad astra! Sean

S.M. Stirling said...

It also plays off their narcissistic self-regard.

Sean M. Brooks said...

Kaor, Mr. Stirling!

I wish I had thought of that point, one I agree with once I thought about it. Yes, I can see disappointed narcissism in the Zacharians.

I can't help wondering what you thought of my wild speculations in my article "Was The Domination Inspired By Merseia?" (Smiles)

Ad astra! Sean