General Connotations

    The General a super computer used in conjunction with Speedlearn, and yet is only as good as its programming. In other words you can’t take out what you don’t put in! Yet generally speaking there is more to generalise about this episode, in the way Number 2 uses the military metaphor when visiting No.6 in his cottage "Mopping up operations Number Six?" quips Number 2, Number 6 mopping up the spilt tomato juice on the carpet. This after quelling the outspoken remarks of Number 12 against the Professor with military discipline.

    "How long have you been with us Number Twelve?"

     "Me Sir? Quite a long time."

    "Obviously not long enough."

   Meaning Number 12 hasn’t been with them long enough to fully understand the ways of The Village.

   A military march goes through the entire episode, in the plaster busts of military leaders in the drawing room of the Professor’s home. And in the decor of the Professor's study, in pictures and statuettes. And also in the military march played as the body of men leave the educational boardroom, along corridors to the General's office, in military procession.

    Confidence in the General, confidence in the Professor, and now Number 12 shows our confidence in you, well members of the educational board, he will give you a confidential breakdown of the entire operation, in confidence of course. And confidence is at the very core of all educational processes, even militaristic ones.

I'll be seeing you