Analysis: Davidshape.

This is the Davidshape.

Let us observe it, and make what we may of it.

First: Note that it is formed of a series of triangles. The number three thus has unusual significance in the context. This is important; remember it for later.

Second, one may note that there are at least two distinct sections of the shape. The first is above, and hath only triangles and circles within it. The second, below, is within triangles, but is quite different, being ungeometric, and rather containing, within each triangle, one part of a human body. There is one exception to this: the nikolas. Hold this, too, in mind.

With both these things said, we may make certain preliminary determinations. Clearly, the repetitive, precise top part of the Davidshape represents the machine. In contrast, the organic, human lower part of the Davidshape represents humanity; not only the fleshy, primitive "primal" humanity represented by the body parts, but also the literate, intelligent humans, represented by the written word, "nikolas." (Note also that they occupy a small corner of the shape; while they are the "cornerstone" to humanity's greatness, they are also a small part of it, overall.) The machine is above humanity, showing the subjugation of humanity to its own machines in the last few centuries; however, humanity is wider and larger, showing its necessity for the machines (supporting them) and greater power, left unused. Note also that the body parts shown are all sensory: the eye, the nose, the ear, the hand, the lips, representing each of the five senses. The importance of the senses is a theme we will return to, but note that the eye receives particular emphasis, due to its central importance in our own existence.

Earlier, we said that the number three would be important; yet so far, we have been examining only two parts of the Davidshape. Logically, there must be one more; and looking at the Davidshape, it is not hard to find. It is that which lies outside our own existence; that which is too grand for us to hold and own. The Sun, the Moon, the Earth, representing the cosmos - the third part. We may sense it; our writers may describe it; our machines may reach out to it. But the cosmos is beyond us. Though we may become more than we are, the cosmos constrains us, forces us to stay within the laws of the universe (limiting!) - symbolically, flat on the paper, rather than growing beyond it. There is no attempt at perspective in the Davidshape - everything is flat, showing the constraints of the cosmos. Even the earth below it may be seen, rather than as a sphere, but as a circle, showing again our false assumption from ages past.

Yet there is hope yet. The Davidshape burns, as is only barely visible in the picture above - it is alight! And what happens to paper when it burns?

It curls up.