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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker wonders why ancient stories describe hell as circular, suggesting a specific symbolic or physical shape.
In plain terms
Why did old myths say hell was round?
What can you take from it?
Ancient stories shape how we imagine punishment and the afterlife.

Where it applies

  • religious study
  • literary analysis
  • philosophy

Putting it to work

  • analyzing myths
  • understanding symbols
  • studying history

Questions to consider

  • Why does shape matter in stories?
  • What does a circle represent to you?

Another view

Shapes in myths might be random or metaphorical.

More from Lois McMaster Bujold

  1. How could I have died and gone to hell without noticing the transition?

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  2. 'All right,' Miles pulled Suegar to his feet, 'let's go preach to the unconverted.'

    Permalink to quote #27

  3. I would fight the world for you, but I'm damned if I can figure out how to save you from yourself.

    Permalink to quote #24

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