Skin Hunger: A Resurrection of Magic Versions of Reality Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

When I opened my eyes, I saw a blur of dark robes behind Franklin, just a quick movement in the light of the torches, then it was gone. Another wizard? (18.40)

Is it a trick of the light, or is Hahp hallucinating due to hunger, or are the wizards messing with their heads? Maybe it's some combination of all three. Hahp never does learn whether the wizards are spying on the boys throughout their lessons, so we don't either. Still it's disturbing to know that on top of studying magic, the boys are being made to doubt their own eyes.

Quote #2

Three classes with Franklin came and went and I was the only one eating anything at all, I was almost certain. Then three more. Then I lost count. I had no idea if each class marked the passage of a day—in fact, I was almost positive the time intervals were never the same. But days had passed; I just wasn't sure how many. (30.1)

In addition to not knowing how much time is actually passing (apparently the wizards haven't invented a magical way of keeping time, or they don't like sharing it), the boys aren't being allowed to sleep for regular intervals. Guess what—sleep deprivation is actually a form of psychological torture, used to cause mental breakdowns in prisoners who are being interrogated. It makes us wonder why the wizards are subjecting the boys to it.

Quote #3

"And you were his companion and friend," Sadima said wonderingly…

"No," Franklin interrupted. "You don't understand. I was a puppy. He picked me out when we were very small." (43.23-24)

Sadima can't even conceive of the fact that Franklin was sold to Somiss at a young age, that he was a possession rather than a person. Let's upgrade that to pet, actually—Franklin was a living creature, to be cared for, but his ultimate purpose was entertainment and companionship. And he's accepted that fully, while Sadima has trouble wrapping her head around it.