Invisible Cities

Part 4 Introduction

Kublai Khan exhibits various moods as he hears Polo’s tales of the cities he visits. On one hand, he accuses Polo of composing “consolatory fables” of invented cities when Khan knows that his empire is declining and rotting (51). Polo replies that if Khan wants to know the extent of the decline, he must also be aware of the happiness in his lands. Sometimes, however, Khan is convinced of the superiority of his empire and accuses Polo of lingering “over inessential melancholies” (52). Polo replies that Khan will never know how to create a truly flourishing empire if he does not learn of the cities that have vanished from memory and of the unhappiness in his lands.

“Cities and Signs 5”

When he comes to the city of Olivia, Polo explains the importance of a city never being “confused with the words that describe it” (53). Thus, were he to describe Olivia’s refinement and splendor, Khan would know from the very same words about the city’s decadence. However, although Polo’s words would be misleading, he paradoxically maintains that “falsehood is never in words; it is in things” (53).

“Thin Cities 4”

The city of Sophronia is composed of two halves.