Information Space In Gwyneth Jones's Castles Made Of Sand

In Gwyneth Jones’ book Castles Made of Sand (2002), central themes include magic and the quest for the “Zen Self.” Jones asserts that both magic and the Zen Self are related to the ability to be aware of and interact with the multiple dimensions of the universe (called “information space”). One word that appears repeatedly in discussions of the nature of this “information space” is kaleidoscope. In fact, “kaleidoscope” appears six times over the course of the novel. When dealing with complex concepts such as multiple dimensions and space-time, which are rooted not only in advanced mathematics and physics, but also neuroscience, philosophy, and religion, it can be useful not to try to imagine these concepts directly, but through a proxy. Jones
3315). Verlaine, another Zen Self quester, supplements this description, saying, “Information-space is sort of an eleven-dimensional kaleidoscope” (loc. 3332). The use of the kaleidoscope imagery here highlights the complexity of information space, while it simultaneously enables the characters and the reader to more easily visualize this abstract concept. For example, one might imagine the different parts of the global brain state (sensations, emotions, etc.) as the pieces of glass in the kaleidoscope. Individual perceptions are the lenses that reflect the image, causing different people to perceive objects, events, and encounters differently. Finally, time is like the turning of the kaleidoscope – the patterns shift, and while some things look the same, others are different. This is illustrated again when Sage uses the kaleidoscope metaphor while contemplating his pursuit of the Zen Self. He understands that his motives must be irreproachable in order to succeed, but with two competing motives, he is unsure of which to prioritize: his own salvation, or the wellbeing of his friends. During a lengthy discussion with Rox about
These allusions show the characters’ growing understanding of the Zen Self, while also revealing the nature of information space to the reader. It simplifies the complex concept, highlighting key points, such as its power, complexity, malleability, and cyclicity. Although its use doesn’t change significantly, it gradually takes on more meaning as the reader learns more about the magic of the Zen Self and learns to associate the kaleidoscope with the features of information space, ultimately leading to an analogy that not only simplifies a concept, but epitomizes