Groz
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Warden Page 378
🕑 Added 2023-11-08 22:11:15 +0000 UTCThe Prisoner doesn't want one of Insight's soldiers to make a self-sacrificial choice. It would be a showcase of loyalty and would undermine his efforts of division. In reality, these particular Owls would not but the Prisoner does not know and wouldn't take the risk. Instead, he diminishes her by calling her a coward for refusing to make a choice.
Do I think this sub-text would be understood by the readers without this commentary? No. But it does make it more interesting.
Comments
Groz
Very true. Stalemates are an end condition of chess and it would take up quite a bit of time. Just like a stalling tactic.
jbezorg
If you can't win against a superior foe, aim for a stalemate to deny their complete victory. In a small way, that is a victory in of itself.
Groz
Yes. Insight is thinking of a loophole and a victory condition within this predictable outcome. - that is not to say her plans will work.
jbezorg
Does Insight see the game the Prisoner is playing? She must. Is the rules the Prisoner gave playing over and over in her head, looking for a loophole?
Groz
He'd try to disparage Insight by stating that her soldiers are better people than she is. It wouldn't be as impactful and he would be on the back foot.
Zealot17
It does beg the question. How would Prisoner respond if either of the two owls would shout out that they're willing to surrender themselves.
