Content Warning: This section of the guide includes a discussion of suicide.

This theme revolves around the character of Ludo, an undisputed child prodigy. Sorabji, upon finding Ludo’s extraordinary education and intellect, admires it and when he learns that it is Kudo’s mother who taught her, he exclaims, “I take my hat off to her!” (328). Ludo’s education, meticulously nurtured by his mother, Sibylla, serves as a testament to the profound impact of parental influence on intellectual development and the exceptional nature of his genius, evoking admiration from those who encounter his remarkable intellect.

Ludo’s quest to find his father and his exploration of multiple father figures in are also intricately connected to his intellectual pursuits and genius. His relentless search for a suitable father figure mirrors his intellectual curiosity and the desire to find someone who can match his prodigious intellect. This journey serves as a parallel to his pursuit of knowledge as he seeks answers about his paternity.

The novel portrays a world that celebrates and cherishes intellectual prowess. Sibylla is a highly educated and intellectually gifted woman who is determined to pass on her passion for learning to her son, Ludo. The narrative exudes a deep affection for literature, classics, mathematics, and languages, but intellectual pursuit in the novel extends beyond formal education, embracing a broader curiosity and the quest for knowledge in all its forms.