Restoration of the Fountain explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Technology vs. Superstition

  Hank uses a pump, rockets, and Greek fire to create a 'miracle,' contrasting modern engineering with Merlin's superstitious enchantments.

• Power and Corruption

  Hank manipulates the religious awe of the populace to gain reputation and influence, using spectacle to consolidate his authority.

• Religion and Hypocrisy

  The abbot and monks readily accept Hank's technological trick as a divine miracle, revealing the gullibility and hypocrisy of religious institutions.

Characters to notice

• Hank Morgan

  Plans and executes the restoration of the well using a pump, fireworks, and theatrical staging, asserting his superiority over Merlin.

• Merlin

  Fails to break the spell on the well with his enchantments, is humiliated by Hank's successful miracle, and is carried away on a shutter.

• Clarence

  Not directly mentioned in this chapter, but Hank's 'two experts' are implied to be from his team; no explicit appearance.

Key passages

• “I sent Merlin home on a shutter. He had caved in and gone down like a landslide when I pronounced that fearful name, and had never come to since.”

  Hank had Merlin carried away on a stretcher after the magician collapsed when Hank uttered a fake magical name.

  Hank's triumph over Merlin is complete, as the old magician is physically and symbolically defeated.

• “It was a great night, an immense night. There was reputation in it. I could hardly get to sleep for glorying over it.”

  Hank feels immense satisfaction and pride from the success of his staged miracle, which boosts his reputation.

  Hank's motivation is not just to help the people but to enhance his own status and power.