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One thing I wondered about when I was reading is that something of a point is made of Dick's religion; he's a lapsed Catholic. It's possible this is just a setup so he would have a ready excuse not to go to church with Vita and the boys, but I can't help thinking there should be more to it. Does it speak to some atavistic affinity he had with the people of the 14th century, still what would be considered Catholic before the Reformation? Or was it raise the issue of mortal sin, as invoked by Roger as he lay dying? Who, if he died unshriven would be condemned to eternal damnation? Are there implications for Dick if he's suddenly cut off from life?
This somewhat ties in for me with the jump ahead in time, but I'm not quite sure how. The change from the vibrant, seemingly romantic past to one of desolation and destruction.
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