# VII explained — The Magician

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

## What happens

On the day of the tea party, Oliver Haddo sends Margaret an enormous quantity of chrysanthemums, transforming her studio. Arthur Burdon arrives and is dismayed he did not think to bring flowers. Susie Boyd and Dr. Porhoët join them, creating a peaceful, intimate atmosphere. When Haddo arrives, Margaret's terrier, which had previously cowered, suddenly attacks him. Haddo kicks the dog savagely, provoking Arthur to punch and kick him. Haddo offers a strange, abject apology before leaving. Later, Haddo returns to the studio and delivers a passionate monologue about alchemy and the creation of homunculi, recounting the story of Count von Küffstein's ten prophesying spirits.

## Themes in this chapter

### Occult and Supernatural

Haddo's detailed account of creating homunculi and his passionate belief in the magician's power over nature and God highlight the chapter's occult themes.

### Obsession and Control

Haddo's obsessive pursuit of power through alchemy and his manipulative behavior—sending flowers, feigning apology—demonstrate his need for control.

### Good vs. Evil

The violent confrontation between Arthur and Haddo, the dog's instinctive fear of Haddo, and the palpable sense of malignancy in Haddo's presence underscore the moral struggle.

## Character check-ins

### Arthur Burdon

Arrives at Margaret's studio, dismayed he didn't bring flowers; defends Margaret's dog by violently attacking Haddo.

### Margaret Dauncey

Receives Haddo's chrysanthemums; distressed when Haddo kicks her dog; holds and comforts the injured animal.

### Susie Boyd

Observes the interactions with a critical eye; lights a cigarette to steady her nerves after the violence; reflects on Arthur's character.

### Oliver Haddo

Sends masses of chrysanthemums; kicks Margaret's dog after being bitten; offers a disconcerting apology; later delivers a fervent speech about alchemy and homunculi.

### Dr. Porhoët

Joins the tea party quietly; appreciates the intimate atmosphere; listens to Haddo's alchemical discourse.

## Key lines

> I think I like you because you don't trouble about the common little attentions of lovers.

Margaret tells Arthur she prefers his lack of conventional romantic gestures.

_Margaret reassures Arthur after he regrets not sending flowers._

> The old alchemists believed in the possibility of spontaneous generation. By the combination of psychical powers and of strange essences, they claim to have created forms in which life became manifest.

Haddo explains that alchemists thought they could create living beings through psychic and chemical means.

_Haddo introduces the concept of homunculi to the group._

## Links

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