/lit/ - Literature

I just finished The Book of the New Sun, it was very good but also very confusing and I was hoping you guys could answer my questions

>Why were Dr. Talos and Baldanders wandering around performing plays?

>If the power to heal and resurrect was Severians the whole time then why was there a thorn in the center of the Claw in the first place?

>Who is Valeria and what is the Atrium of Time?

>Was Vodalus really that much of a retard? What was he actually trying to accomplish?

>Why did the undine save Severian, and if they and so many characters knew his importance then why did they not do more to protect and guide him through his journey?

>What would have happened if Severian had done as Typhon wanted and sworn the oath?

>Why was Severian in particular the one to have these powers, and become the new Autarch?

Do I have to reread it to understand all this? And are the sequels worth reading to see what happens in the test?

Explain the plot of this book in 10 words or less

Pic related because of misogyny

>>21907557

Is this worth reading? If yes, why? If not, why? Thanks in advance.

>>21780975
>>21780362
I don't know shit about Fantasy but isn't pic related supposed to be the really good? Why isn't it here?