Mahalia’s Murder
Upon discovery of the dead body, the authorities formulate theories of the murder but new information reveals how incorrect they are. The plot discloses that Mahalia—who is initially referred to by different aliases—might have been killed for believing in the third city. Ironically, she was murdered for believing that Orciny was not real but a smuggling front.
Political Stability
The idea of two cities in the same geographical area is made possible by forced segregation and the illusion of borders. Though the structure works, the political stability is also an illusion that depends on how the citizens of each city believe in it.
Between the City and the City
The rumors of a secret city have long been part of the discourse but no one is certain of its existence. Mahalia, the author of the book on the third city, also stops believing in the secret city after finding out the truth. The book itself is banned yet not considered dangerous because only the people can make it powerful by believing in it. The paradox of the situation creates the irony of the truth.
Unseeing
The regulation that makes the two cities possible is the ability of the people to ‘unsee’ or ‘unhear’ aspects of the opposite city. Ironically, the people cannot really unsee or unhear but only give the false impression of blocking out the information.
Punishment of the Breach
The breach is held as the worst offense ever which prevents individuals from crossing over the cities at undesignated locations. They believe the punishment for the breach to be unfathomable since it is unknown to anyone in both cities. The breach turns out to be a sham and the unknown punishment is as ambiguous as the secret city.
