///Victorian literature is often an intriguing mix of the rational and the religious* the friction between these two oppositions was a mighty source of inspiration.///

well-said! I agree :)

Nic, it's very good/true fragmet you took (about railways, telegraphs etc as the instruments of life... and Suicide Club...)

But what do you mean when you say "a proto-existential agent"? i.e. as an Angel? Does he create the plot like an Universum?