2. When the magistrate is tortured, he concludes that he's realized human nature, because of the pain. Similarly, Joll exclaims that pain is truth-is there any connection between the barbarian girl, that logic, her injuries, and her ability to see, despite her blindness?
3. Although the Empire appears to be the dominant power in the novel, does Coetzee allude to or even explicitly mention anything about the "staying power," if you will, of the barbarians? If so, what kind of remark is this on the real world?
4. What is the relationship between the magistrate and the girl in the novel? If it's more than physical, what symbolism is implied?
5. What is the purpose of failing to name most characters or places, or even the time period, in this novel?
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