The Magician · Chapter
XIII explained
Arthur Burdon, tormented by a growing sense of foreboding about Margaret's safety, returns to Paris and convinces Susie Boyd and Dr.
What happens
Arthur Burdon, tormented by a growing sense of foreboding about Margaret's safety, returns to Paris and convinces Susie Boyd and Dr. Porhoët to accompany him to England. He recounts his visit to Venning, where he learned of Haddo's eccentric and reclusive behavior, and his desperate attempt to see Margaret. The chapter explores Arthur's psychological unraveling and his turn toward occult explanations, as Dr. Porhoët discusses the ambiguous nature of magical knowledge.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Control
Arthur's obsessive foreboding about Margaret's safety drives him to abandon his work and travel impulsively, reflecting his inability to control his emotions or the situation.
Madness and Reality
Arthur's psychological state deteriorates, with his 'curious feeling of foreboding' becoming an obsession that blurs the line between rational fear and irrational delusion. The chapter questions the nature of reality and sanity.
Science vs. Mysticism
Dr. Porhoët's cautious exploration of occult science contrasts with Arthur's initial skepticism, highlighting the tension between rational medicine and supernatural beliefs.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Burdon
Overcome by a powerful, inexplicable foreboding about Margaret's safety, Arthur returns to Paris and persuades Susie and Dr. Porhoët to travel to England with him. He recounts his visit to Venning and his growing obsession with Haddo's occult practices.
- Susie Boyd
Susie accompanies Arthur and Dr. Porhoët, trying to calm Arthur's agitation. She listens to Dr. Porhoët's discourse on occult science and is present when Arthur arrives with news of his visit to Venning.
- Dr. Porhoët
Dr. Porhoët discusses the history and philosophy of occult science with Susie, offering cautious speculation about hidden truths. He is alarmed by Arthur's deteriorated state and listens to his account of the visit to Venning.
- Oliver Haddo
Haddo is described as a local magnate with eccentric and reclusive behavior, including sending all servants away at night and being feared by locals for his supposed magical influence. He is the source of Arthur's anxiety about Margaret.
- Margaret Dauncey
Margaret is the object of Arthur's obsessive concern. She is reported to be rarely seen outside the park gates, wandering alone, and is believed to be in danger at Skene.
Key passages
“I was in an absurdly hysterical condition... I think my common sense was deserting me, and I was on the point of believing in the farrago of nonsense which they call magic.”
Arthur admits he was hysterical and nearly started believing in magical nonsense.
Arthur's self-awareness of his emotional state contrasts with his later irrational behavior.
“I feel it... It came upon me quite suddenly, I can't explain why or how. I only know that something has happened.”
Arthur claims a sudden, inexplicable certainty that something has happened to Margaret.
Arthur's conviction is based on intuition rather than evidence, showing his psychological shift.
“It was a strange dream that these wizards cherished. They sought to make themselves beloved of those they cared for and to revenge themselves on those they hated; but, above all, they sought to become greater than the common run of men and to wield the power of the gods.”
Dr. Porhoët describes the wizards' ambitions to gain love, revenge, and godlike power.
This passage encapsulates the occult themes and Haddo's possible motivations.