2 ?b90

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III. Cemf: Self Discovery
esos caräcteres, como la mäs reciente apreciaci6n
sobre las culturas decadentes, estaban lleno de
soterradas fascinaciones (1,391).
Cemi and the reader of the novel are mesmerized for a time by the intriguing
characters, Fronesis and Foci6n, and all that they symbolize. Yet neither
must be permitted to lose himself in the labyrinth created by Lezama; to
maintain a balance between Reason and Chaos the author uses the purity of
CemPs mind as a touchstone to the true worth of his friends' exploits.
As embodiments of the paths which Cemi must choose to follow and to forego,
they provide a multiplicity of viewpoints on their respective fates and on
Cemi himself. We uncover the opinions of Cemi, Foci6n, Fronesis, and the
latter's parents on the Fronesis' family circumstances, for instance. How-
ever, it is Cemf who, with Fronesis' help, deciphers truth and so we will
not have a three dimensional view of his adolescence until his thoughts on
his own spiritual growth have been exposed. Lezama achieves the continued
education of the reader explicitly, by relating the central character's
thoughts; implicitly, by his orchestration of his characters' movements in
relation to one another. Having attempted to explain the symbolism of his
friends' strange biographies, the reader must reflect upon the effect of the
overall pattern on Cemi.
The ninth chapter seems to fall into three broad areas: the first deals
with the nature of order and chaos, as encapsulated in the student demon-
strations, in which these two are both seen as potentially creative and des-
tructive; The second section presents Rialta's inspiring speech to Cemi, as
she fulfils the role of Muse and symbol of the creative Unconscious. Her
thoughts on the relationship between the generations will have far-reaching
consequences, as will Cemi's acceptance of his vocation. The exortation to