In what ways does the story relate to the idea of "the radical" as we discussed in class? The story embraces the idea of the infinite; it's an impossible thing to create, and is nothing more than really a concept people use to understand that on a scale which is above them. The Aleph itself is infinite on its own, in that it's a single point in space that contains all other points in space. It's infinite in definition and conceptually, in that it's a singularity that contains everything much like the word "infinite" itself. The story makes the radical seem like an attainable goal, as it gradually progresses to this point. For example, starting out with how the modern man doesn't need to travel and will evolve to the point of the Aleph.
How does the story inform or change your understanding of time?
How does the story inform or change your understanding of time?
Time is treated with varying degrees of intensity throughout the story. It notes the cyclical nature right at the start, mentioning the date of April 13th, and how it comes once a year. Years pass incredibly quickly in the first section, creating a system rather than an event. However, the narrator's discussion with Daneri slows the story down considerably, as the focus is put all upon the ideas being put forth. It shows how time can be displayed differently throughout the course of the story, and doesn't relate to the passage of real time.
