The Magician · Chapter
V explained
Arthur, Margaret, and Susie visit Dr.
What happens
Arthur, Margaret, and Susie visit Dr. Porhoët on the Île Saint Louis. Beforehand, Arthur and Margaret tour the Louvre, where Arthur is moved by a statue resembling Margaret. At Dr. Porhoët's apartment, he shows his extensive library of occult books, including the Clavicula Salomonis and Zohar. He recounts a story of a sorcerer using a mirror of ink to reveal his mother's death. Oliver Haddo then discusses Eliphas Levi and his attempt to raise the spirit of Apollonius of Tyana.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Beauty
Margaret's genuine emotion at the Louvre and Arthur's recognition of beauty through his love for her highlight the transformative power of art.
Occult and Supernatural
Dr. Porhoët's library of occult texts and his story of a sorcerer using a mirror of ink to see his mother's death emphasize the supernatural themes.
Science vs. Mysticism
Arthur's skeptical, practical nature contrasts with Dr. Porhoët's and Haddo's fascination with mystical and occult knowledge.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Burdon
Visits the Louvre with Margaret, moved by a statue's resemblance to her; later visits Dr. Porhoët and reacts skeptically to occult tales.
- Margaret Dauncey
Enjoys the Louvre with Arthur, inspiring his appreciation of art; accompanies him to Dr. Porhoët's.
- Susie Boyd
Chooses independence at the Louvre; later at Dr. Porhoët's, she examines his occult library with excitement.
- Dr. Porhoët
Hosts the group at his apartment, displays his occult book collection, and recounts a personal story of a sorcerer revealing his mother's death.
- Oliver Haddo
Present at Dr. Porhoët's, discusses Eliphas Levi and the raising of Apollonius of Tyana's spirit.
Key passages
“Arthur had never troubled himself with art till Margaret’s enthusiasm taught him that there was a side of life he did not realize.”
Arthur had not cared about art until Margaret's passion opened his eyes to a new aspect of existence.
Highlights Arthur's personal growth through love.
“I wish you weren’t so beautiful... I’m so afraid that something will happen to prevent us from being happy.”
Arthur expresses fear that Margaret's beauty might bring misfortune to their happiness.
Foreshadows potential tragedy and Arthur's anxiety.
“I knew that my mother was dead.”
Dr. Porhoët realized his mother had died based on the vision seen in the ink.
Demonstrates the claimed power of occult practices.