Analysis #4

Just when I thought this book was getting weird, it really dropped me on my head. This whole thing with Hilde is just madness. I am curious to see how these two worlds are linked because if Sophie and Alberto really are just characters, how do Hilde's possessions wind up into a story? How come Sophie and Alberto at least appear to have the capability to think for themselves? Is this simply an illusion? If so, what implications does this have? That we are not independent beings with no free-will and instead are the toys of some over-watcher? That possibility simply doesn't seem fathomable to me. Then again, I suppose that's the basis of Kant's argument regarding the possible infinity of the universe. That we are simply too insignificant to really comprehend and grasp the magnitude of the universe. That really is a terrifying thought when you allow it to seize your attention. If Kant is indeed accurate in this assertion, then it heightens the absolute awe regarding this entire topic of reality. 

Also, how is Alberto Knag orchestrating all of this? It's all just very weird and it brings a completely new meaning to Descartes' idea of an evil genius and whether or not reality actually exists. It's really a melting pot of different philosophical ideas that are being discussed. For instance, Berkely's idea of the "Ultimate Perceiver" is coming into play as Sophie's world doesn't actually seem to exist except in the mind of this mysterious puppet-master Alberto Knag; the idea that nothing actually exist unless someone perceives it (In this case, Hilde and her father are the perceivers) is exemplified through this odd plot. 

Lastly, what is Alberto Knag's purpose in doing all of this? He continues to become more obscure and random in his mischief. It's one thing to send postcards, it's a completely different thing to have a sea serpent and a fable character appear out of nowhere. Hopefully there really is a point to these preposterous acts, otherwise it simply seems like none-sensible filler on the author's behalf.