Lecture Notes: Donkerwet Chapter 29, Verstronke Palaes

Setting

• Location: Istanbul
  • Transportation: Luxury bus
  • District: Sultanahmet
  • Destination: Basilica Cistern

Key Characters

• Plank
  • Stays outside the Basilica Cistern
• Greg
  • Enters the Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern (Verschonke Palace)

• Known as Sunk-in Palace
• Used to be a reservoir
• Composed of 363 pillars

Inside the Cistern

• Atmosphere: Stuffy
• Statues of Medusa:
  • First statue: Medusa with a pillow on the side of her head
  • Second statue: Medusa on her head
  • Imagery: Snakes around Medusa’s head
  • Symbolism: Greg contemplates whether Xander is like a snake

Greg's Thoughts

• Wonders if Xander should have arrived
• Sees his reflection in the water
  • Reflection: Recalls a time in Clarence
  • Encounter: Sees Xander’s reflection
• Xander’s Comment: "Look what the underworld dragged in."

Conclusion

• The chapter title "Verschonke Palace" refers to the Basilica Cistern
• Ending Note: Encouragement to check out the playlist associated with the chapter