# V explained — The Magician

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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