First of all, I’ve seen The Starless Sea (and The Night Circus) are very polarizing texts but I loved them both. I have a PhD in English literature and my area of specialization was Victorian literature, which, if you know much about it, should tell you that I don’t need a tight or action-packed plot and am perfectly happy to meander through narratives. Morgenstern’s abilities with setting and atmosphere are absolutely enchanting.
Now, to my question. I’m aware the book doesn’t actually answer it but I’m dying to know and google hasn’t been helpful, so I’ll take any and all theories and guesses and thoughts.
What do the dice rolls mean? I don’t even just refer to Dorian’s “flush” (as Miriam termed it) and Zachary’s all hearts. What does each symbol imply or suggest? What do you think Kat will roll?
by mepresley
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I would align at least the first three symbols we learn of with the Paths
Keys for Keepers
Bees for Acolytes
Swords for Guardians
Whether this tells us much is another question altogether, but is, perhaps, a starting point.
The second triad is harder to align, both Crowns and Feathers might represent the Owl King and the Heart traditionally represents Love – which could here be Fate & Time.
When Zachary rolls Dorian’s dice Mirabel guesses it had a lot of Swords in, some Keys.
Zachary is all Hearts.
I don’t think we learn anyone elses roll? (It’s been a while since I read it)
I’d wager Kat at three Bees and three Crowns, or all Feathers, based on nothing but the feel of it.