Paula

Greg,

I’d like to take a shot at the extra credit. God knows I need it this quarter.

It appears that the Red Queen (Kamilla) is desperate to chop off the Cheshire Cat’s head but doesn’t quite know how to go about it.
Why do you suppose this is?

Is it because she would no longer be under the authority of a man and thus violate the dictates of the “Pax Baylyana”?

A multiple choice question with only one choice? (sorry)

My “write in” answer: If I may be so bold as to quote the Wicked Witch of the West, “These things must be done deeeelllllllicately”. The Red Queen is highly trained– to not think independently. Chopping is a man’s job, of course, unless we’re talking about vegetables. So unless the Red Queen can turn her subject into a veggie, the chopping cannot be done. She can’t even suggest to a man to do it though, because she’d be “giving directions”, and that’s too authoritative. Conclusion: When in doubt, move pawn.

Good term, “Pax Baylyana”. It sounds just like “Pax Islama”, the “peace” that comes through sliencing one’s enemies.

What would Aurelius do in a similar situation?

As one of the “Five Good Emperors” of Rome, it’s interesting to note that he changed his name when he got married. Then he spent a lot of time at war. I’m sure there’s no connection between the two. Christians under his reign had the threat of punishment over them but it was rarely used– kind of like a comp. husband’s “authority”. As a Stoic philosopher and upholder of duty and honor and order, I’m sure he’d advise the Red Queen to merely threaten the chopping and not actually do it. This would not violate Order and yet would be a public “rebuke”, however symbolic, thus allowing said Red Queen to appear authoritative without actually exercising it.

So, will this credit show up on my report card next semester?