Kristina of Uppsala

The underlying theme of the sequel is the conflict between the

analytic and intuitive methods for the prediction of future forms

of language. The first of these is exclusively the creation of

Kristina Lucia Winberg (KLW), a Swedish mathematical genius who is

at the early stages of her Ph.D. studies at Stockholm. In her

view, the intuitive approach to LDA (Language Development

Analysis), which is favoured by almost all experts in linguistics,

including a certain Dr. Thomas Thompson from Oxford, is worthless.

The Big Bang occurs when the message is presented vicariously by

KLW's nominal supervisor, Professor Edberg, at the final major

address of a language conference in Sweden's capital city.

Shortly before the explosion, Thomas had been introduced to

Kristina, and from that moment onwards she pervades his existence.

When, later, he discovers that she, and not Edberg, is the

originator of the conceptual bombshell, he is reduced, by reason

of his prejudices, to a state of incomprehension. Thus in his new

life, he is presented with an impossible emotional load. He

lightens this burden by publicly declaring at the end of the

conference that now he regards analytic methods as the only way

forward. In the subsequent Winberg - Thompson research

collaboration, Thomas is the linguist of which Kristina has need

if she is to show her theory in action. As it happens, he lacks

the qualities that are necessary for the advancement of

revolutionary ideas, and herein is the reason why the project

fails. Moreover, paternal tyranny and gender prejudices drive

Kristina into the wilderness. Second rate (male) researchers

achieve fame and fortune by stealing her intellectual property

while she experiences rejection and premature death.