2 ?b90

291
impotentes visceras" (1,452). In these exceptional circumstances, the
cyst "tenta asi que existir como una monstruosidad que lograba en el organis-
mo nuevos medios de asimilaci6n de aquella sorpresa, buscando un equilibrio
m6s alto y m6s tenso" (1,453). In a similar way Cemi has had to incorpo-
rate into his experience his potentially weak side, embodied in Foci6n, in
order to achieve greater inner strength. He has found it necessary to run
the gauntlet of the Unconscious in its negative manifestation which could
keep him in the unformed, egoless state, or in a state of perpetual rebellion,
in pointless, uncreative sexual activity. The tenth chapter ends with a
virtual reunion between Rialta and Cemi, who are almost as one in the looks
they exchange: Rialta's eyes "le acercaban lo lejano, le alejaban lo cercano.
Borraban para 41 lo inmediato y lo distante, para lograr el apego tierno, la
compaRia omnicomprensiva" (1,454). He has attained union uith his anima
and so is a kind of spiritual androgyne, very different to the being envisa-
ged by Foci6n as a result of his unformed ego. Access to the Unconscious
aids Cemi to see beyond immediate causality and reality and to stand outside
Time, like mothers, who "miran para ver el nacimiento y la muerte, algo que
es la unidad de un gran sufrimiento con la epifanja de la criatura" (1,454).
The spray of flowers sent by Fronesis to Cemi's mother is a sign of Cemi's
own realization of his debt to her, as friend and, especially, as spiritual
guide: "Era esa la forma de sabidurla que deseaba. que lo acompafyase siempre"
(1,455).
As symbols of ancient wisdom and cultural innovation Rialta and Fronesis
share the ability to re-define reality with a look: Fronesis has "unos ojos
sorpreii, lentes en su reposo, ojos que permanecian despu6s que la neblina de
lo circunstancial se escurria, mirada que igualaba lo lejano con lo cercano
(1,457). Cemi begins to see with their eyes: "Le parecia que se acercaba.
a los innumerables espejos que pueblan el universo, cada uno con un nombre
distinto
... y que a cada uno de esos espejos asomaba. su rostro, devolvieffidole