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symbolic-naming
The factions are named Snakes and Spiders, reflecting cultural and psychological attitudes toward enemies and self-identity within the war.
1 chapter across 1 book
The Big Time (1958)Fritz Leiber Jr.
Chapter 8 A PLACE TO STAND
In this chapter, Bruce reflects on the symbolic names of the warring factions, the Spiders and the Snakes, and explores the deeper implications of their cosmic conflict, the Change War. He warns of the deteriorating fabric of history and reality due to continuous temporal warfare, suggesting that the universe risks collapse into a hollowed, less meaningful existence. Bruce proposes a radical hope that time travel could be used for healing and peace rather than destruction, but his ideas are met with resistance and tension among his comrades.