The British bird has flown

The British government has made its official application to leave the European Union, setting the United Kingdom and the EU on an unknown course not only regarding relations between them but also with regard to each side's cohesion.

Art, myth and history are full of analogies, from the stories and horror films where wolves, serial killers or fatal loneliness devour anyone who strays out of the herd/cabin/spaceship, to Noah's doves. It remains to be seen whether Britain will return to the ark, having exhausted all efforts to find something better, or whether it will never come back.

The success or failure of Brexit will determine to a great extent whether the UK can remain united, or whether there will be a permanent rift with Scotland and a border with Ireland. It is also unclear whether Britain's departure will strengthen the forces tearing at the EU or bring its 27...