Chapter 8, The Two Poles Summary

The first Game competition put on by Knecht becomes known as the Chinese House Game. It is received very well and makes the Board feel justified in selecting Knecht as Magister Ludi. The affair, conducted by the youngest ever Magister Ludi, is well attended and highly successful. "Not for many years had the annual Game been such an event as it was this time, with the youngest and most-discussed Magister in Castalian history making his first public appearance and showing what he could do. Moreover, Waldzell was determined to make up for the failure and disgrace of the previous year. This time no one lay ill, no cowed deputy awaited the great ceremony with apprehension, coldly ringed by the malevolent distrust of the elite, faithfully but listlessly supported by nervous officials" (Chap. 8, p. 262).

Knecht conducts the ceremonies...