Andrew Wolcott

Fermat's last theorem

According to Wikipedia Fermat's last theorem was created by Pierre de Fermat in 1637. The theorem is A to the nth power +B to the nth power = C to the nth power. It was long considered to be one of the most difficult proofs. It also “states that no three positive integers a, b, and c, can satisfy [for the equation] for any integer for n that is greater than two.” It's proof was solved in 1995.Since Arcadia this theorm has had a long history of references in fiction and narrative. A few of the appearances are; Star Trek, Ghostbusters, Bedazzled, and The Girl Who Played With Fire. In most of these appearances it is used to describe something almost impossible or to keep an intellectual busy with thoughts on proving the theorem.

Euclidean Geometry

The fundamental form of geometry created by Euclid. It is founded on a series of common sense axioms that build on one another to explain more and more complex shapes. According to Wikipedia here are a couple of examples, "That all right angles are equal to one another,” and "to produce [extend] an infinite straight line continuously in a straight line,” and “if equals are added to equals, then the wholes are equal.”

The reference to Fermat's last theorem can be seen as having a two fold purpose. First of all it is, at least at that time, an impossible feat that the greatest minds had spent many years struggling with solving. It is that which would also consume a keen mathematical mind. That this is offered up to Thomasina tells us that perhaps she does have a keen mathematical mind. The second interpretation of it is in its relation to the carnal embrace which is discussed both before and after the reference to the theorem. The end of the theorem, that n can be no greater than two has an implication of the joining of a and b can be no greater than two or man plus woman equals child or love but the nth power can be no greater than two. If a third is added into the addition the equation will not work.