Obscure Book of the New Sun question.

Cafe Society
1

I’ve been listening to TBOTNS audio books I downloaded through iTunes. Despite having read all the books several times, I’ve been picking up small details that I apparently consistently failed to notice in the print editions.

In this particular case, I am curious about the little leather pouch in which Severian carries The Claw of the Conciliator. At one point he refers to it as “the little pouch that Dorcas sewed.” At another he refers to it as “the little pouch of human skin.”

Dorcas is notably squicked out by Severian’s actions in his capacity as a Torturer. She can’t bear to watch him perform his duties. Yet, apparently, she sewed him this pouch from a piece of somebody’s hide. Wolfe never gives us details for no reason and expects us to cross reference, but I am at a loss here. What is he trying to tell us about Dorcas?

2

Wow, despite reading these in the last year or so I don’t recall this bit at all. Is that what Severian carries the claw in? Maybe Terminus est can help out?

3

I didn’t notice that either, I will have to go for a reread after we get back from California in April. I need to have mrAru dig it out of one of the boxes in the barn.