Answer to 5 questions

1. Why is the empire called, the “Empire,” instead of given a specific name?

The Empire is not given a specific name because it is representing every empire that is too powerful that it becomes paranoid and lusts for more.  By keeping it general, the book applies to all countries and can, in some way, teach a lesson. (Not that any country would actually listen to this advice). 

2. Why do you think that the Empire sets the Magistrate free eventually and does not pursue a trial?

If the Empire had pursued a trial the Magistrate would have been given a voice.  The best interest of the Empire was to hide the Magistrate and keep him silent so they were able to tell the people whatever they wanted about him.  He was a peacetime Magistrate, and they were no longer interested in peace.  In peace they could not steal from their own people, since there was no fear. 

3. What do the magistrate’s dreams symbols, particularly the girl in them?

I think it is very interesting that in the dream, most of the time, he cannot picture the girl’s face.  He is blind in the dreams, where she is blind in real life.  I think the point of this is that she is slowly helping him to see that their opinion of the barbarians is very far off.  The townspeople and the people of the Empire are being blinded by the Empire, and with this blindness comes fear.  The dream symbolizes his desire for understanding of simpler people and simpler things.

4. What is the meaning behind the ritual between the magistrate and the barbarian girl?

I think the magistrate wants a sense of control and desire.  He sees himself as the girl’s savior, and he is extremely guilty that the police officers beat her, and the other prisoners, under his supervision.  He tries to tell himself that it was not his fault, but he feels guilty.  He realizes that it is his fault that she is not beautiful and never will be since she has been beaten so badly, so he wants to caress her, as if this would make her forget that she has been treated cruelly. 

5. Why do you believe the barbarians never strike back?

Because they could not give less of a crap about the insignificant Empire and the townspeople.  They have their own stuff going on and then the Empire decides to fight them, for personal gain.  The Empire may well never even get into a significant fight with the barbarians.  They abducted fishing people and brought them back, which probably didn’t bother the “barbarians” who live off the land and are not interested in taking advantage of people.