Lyra's world (Spolier warning if you haven't read past chapter 5)

[Irene]

The author tells us that The Golden Compass takes place "in a universe like ours, but different in many ways." How do you think Lyra's universe relates to ours?

Note: please be respectful of those who haven't read past chapter five so the rest of the story is not spoiled for them.

[Tala]

It seems like the Golden Compass is a mirror image of our world except there are daemons, talking bears and the like.

[Irene]

That is a true statement but what about the structure and how things are ran culturally and politically?

[Tala]

Irene wrote: "That is a true statement but what about the structure and how things are ran culturally and politically?"

Well, Lyra's world is structured to revolve around the church. The gypsies are the ones who are looked on as outcasts. Compared to our world, we're revolved around politics and not so much the church because it's more of a personal choice.

[Irene]

Cassandra wrote: "Irene wrote: "That is a true statement but what about the structure and how things are ran culturally and politically?"

Well, Lyra's world is structured to revolve around the church. The gypsies a..."

Very true.

[Tala]

Very true.

Do you think the politics in our world and the church in Lyra's world is similar?

[Irene]

I think they have similarities but they are not synonymous.

[L]

There are many similarities but also quite a few differences, that make Lyra's world not like ours. Politics are certainly different as things are governened in a stricter way, i think that it is more structured in terms of rules and citizens abiding by those rules. You 'know your place' as it were in her world, even in Jordan, where as we as a nation are less rigid and freedom of speech is more common.

It is a bit like old England when community and life did revolve around the church more than today, which is politically based and in this respect i did find it quite old-fashioned. If i were to put it in England's history timeline then i would say Tudor period and the beginning of the Church of England, breaking away from the Catholic ruling.

Perhaps i am thinking a little too deeply, but i am constantly facinated by Philip Pullmans epic creation that is so unique and outstandingly brilliant!

[Irene]

Lucinda wrote: "There are many similarities but also quite a few differences, that make Lyra's world not like ours. Politics are certainly different as things are governened in a stricter way, i think that it is m..."

Not too deep at all and very well thought out. I agree with your time placement.

[L]

Irene wrote: "Lucinda wrote: "There are many similarities but also quite a few differences, that make Lyra's world not like ours. Politics are certainly different as things are governened in a stricter way, i th..."

:) it is a facinating creation and an epic trilogy

[Irene]

Lucinda wrote: "Irene wrote: "Lucinda wrote: "There are many similarities but also quite a few differences, that make Lyra's world not like ours. Politics are certainly different as things are governened in a stri..."

I'm glad you like it. Keep an eye out as the other questions will be going up soon :)