The Intuitionist

Lila Mae spends much of the next day rereading Fulton’s Intuitionist texts, newly aware of his racial identity. She is certain that these texts would never have been published if his race had been known—or, his ideas would have appeared under the name of a white man who stole them. She also feels a strange feeling of betrayal; she thought she chose Intuitionism, but Intuitionism chose her, by virtue of her blood’s destiny.

Two days later, it is the night of the Funicular Follies, the Elevator Guild’s annual industry banquet. Politically, it is an enormously important event for both Chancre and Lever. Lila Mae never attends this banquet, but she is here tonight, responding to an invite from Natchez who promised “a surprise” for her. Thinly disguised as a member of the kitchen staff, Lila Mae has little reason to fear that anyone will recognize her: “They do not see her” (153).

Among the entertainment acts are the Safety Girls, a group of dancers affiliated with United Elevator, a major elevator manufacturer. This is relevant because it means Chancre has aligned with United, rather than the company’s biggest competitor, Arbo.

After the Safety Girls perform, two of Lila Mae’s white colleagues appear in blackface and join the stage for a minstrel show called “Mr.