The Pentagonia semicircula: the pharmakon of freedom
More than six months have passed since Ricardo Tronconi’s last publication, Aniel Day. Now, the new story, published by La Novella Orchidea, is finally available on all online stores. Although the work presents decidedly more erotic undertones, we find a common thread in the Pentagonia semicircula, an imaginary pharmakon-plant that also gives the novella its title.
In this case, it is not about a pharmakon capable of soothing physical pains, but rather a kind of psychological “pain therapy.” The nemesis of the physical one. In Aniel Day, the latter is proposed as the only solution to overcome pain and is therefore hindered in every way by the system. On the other hand, the Pentagonia semicircula has the extraordinary property of numbing the mind and is hence legally accepted. Even the food at Villa Paradiso, the delightful resort for those who want to escape life’s problems, contains it in large quantities.
Between the two cures, the physical and the psychological, there is indeed an essential difference. The first is a consequence of pain that the human being cannot control, while the second is the exact opposite. Yes, because this pharmakon is used precisely by those who do not want to suffer the consequences of their actions. By those who, even though they could choose to solve life’s problems, decide not to decide. In this way, however, free will is violated. All responsibilities, guilt, and consequences of our actions fall away. And how could a blissful life be possible… without the possibility of choice?
In this medical-religious scenario, some equally symbolic figures stand out. We find the two adolescents, Adam and Eve (the only ones staying at Villa Paradiso), their adult counterparts in the persons of Dene and Certo, along with some unnamed characters (the uncertain) or with telling names (the beautiful Bella). And here’s something new: this is the first story in which the neutral appears. Indicated by an asterisk, it signals not so much a gender choice but a figure without labels in general (not even that of a human being).
For those who might feel confused or uncertain, there is a “forum” section at the end of the story where some users exchange opinions on the meaning of the novella, the number of characters, and the great absentee from the story: the lute maker.
The story will also be available as an audiobook in a few days, which, as always, you can find in the “Works” section of this website. Enjoy your reading and listening!
