Seeing as how Number 6 and Number 1 are supposed to be
the alter ego of the same person, the ego against the id so to say. Why did
Number 6 put himself to the test the way he did? Did he think he could beat
himself? It would be like when one plays a game of chess against oneself. As
white, one has the advantage of making the first move, but can one be capable
of putting out of ones mind whites next move while playing black, and vice
versa? Surely any such game played against oneself, if one is incapable of
putting aside all thought of ones opponents intended moves, can only end in a
draw. ‘The Prisoner’ began with the opening gambit with the Prisoner’s
resignation, and so the next move was to have him abducted to The Village. What
takes place in The Village is the middle game, people as pawns are scarified
for the good of the bigger game. And yet there are times when a pawn has to be
protected, especially if that pawn is about to be promoted in the game to that
of a Rook, Knight, Bishop, or even a Queen. The endgame is escape, but the game
ends in a draw, neither Number Six nor One is the victor, the
result…….stalemate! And so the game is played again………..the opening gambit an
act of resignation!
Be seeing you
Hello David,
ReplyDeletedo you know The Royal Game or Chess Story by Stefan Zweig? It's about a prisoner who starts to play Chess against himself, just in his mind, to stay sane, but almost looses his mind because of it.
Best wishes,
Jana
BCNU
Hello Jana,
DeleteNo, I have not heard of The Royal Game or Chess Story by Stefan Zweig, but it sound fascinating. I shall look it up.
Thank you
Very best regards
David
BCNU