# IX explained — The Magician

> Chapter companion for The Magician by W. Somerset Maugham.

## What happens

Margaret, disturbed by Haddo's hypnotic influence, struggles with an overwhelming compulsion to visit him. She yields to the temptation, agrees to marry him, and later experiences a moment of joy with Arthur at a dinner, though a dark undercurrent of malice and despair persists.

## Themes in this chapter

### Obsession and Control

Haddo's hypnotic power over Margaret illustrates his obsessive control, reducing her to an automaton driven by an irresistible compulsion.

### Isolation and Entrapment

Margaret feels utterly alone, trapped by her own desires and Haddo's influence, unable to confide in Arthur or Susie.

### Madness and Reality

Margaret's struggle between rational explanation and supernatural belief blurs the line between sanity and madness.

## Character check-ins

### Margaret Dauncey

Torn between horror and desire, she succumbs to Haddo's power and agrees to marry him, while hiding her deceit from Arthur.

### Oliver Haddo

Exerts hypnotic control over Margaret, calmly expecting her visit and arranging their marriage.

### Susie Boyd

Observes Margaret and Arthur's embrace with hidden pain, and later sobs passionately after they leave.

### Arthur Burdon

Blissfully unaware of Margaret's betrayal, he enjoys a joyful dinner with her, full of plans for their future.

### Dr. Porhoët

Margaret seeks his help but finds him out, deepening her sense of abandonment.

## Key lines

> Her will had been taken from her, and she was an automaton.

Margaret felt she had lost all control over her own actions, acting mechanically.

_Highlights Haddo's hypnotic domination and Margaret's loss of agency._

> I am willing to marry you whenever you choose.

Margaret agrees to marry Haddo on his terms.

_Marks the pivotal moment of her surrender to Haddo's influence._

> God has forsaken me.

Margaret feels abandoned by God and utterly alone.

_Reflects her spiritual despair and isolation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_magician_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_magician_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_magician_se/chapters