I just happened upon this essay, and I liked it very much! I've always been fascinated by the question of how much Fred was really left in Illyria (I wrote a drabble once which didn't so much explore the question as poke at it a little).

I think that your metaphor of the glued-together vase is a novel and very appealing way to understand Illyria's relationship with Fred.

Thanks for sharing it!