Book III

I am curious about the chronology of the novel. This third book begins with the protagonist encountering (capturing, actually)a madman named Jupiter who believes he is the Roman deity. A series of erudite exchanges ensue, Jupiter's pontification sounding like some nascent Mabuse. Perhaps I am hasty to jump to such a position. I don't ascribe to some nationalistic determinism. It is a peculiar turn for the narrative, quite removed from the prior parables.