"Theology and Geometry" ????

[suitcase]

Good day,

within the book A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole, what exactly is meant by the term 'geometry' in the hobbyhorse phrase "Theology and Geometry" bandied about by protagonist Ignatius J. Reilly? Could it have anything to do with his obsession with vice (e.g. Geometric wide prude clothing that leaves much to the imagination), perhaps? Can't find the answer on the web so hence my question.

thanks,

Steve

[hellsapoppin]

Howdy Steve


Am surprised no one answered your query (which certainly is a good one). The comment was made by protagonist Reilly and represents his observation as to what the streets of NOLA (that is, the streets as microcosm for all of society and the world) need to be corrected as "we are on the edge of the abyss". Symbolically, theology represents a divine presence represented by a wholesome religion or philosophical, moral code of life. Geometry being an exact science representing a form of order. Geometry would give us a framework, perhaps a life map, a concrete structure (symbolic, of course) that would solidify society. Theology giving us a code, geometry giving us a symbolic citadel or fortress against the evil forces of this often irregular and unjust universe.