The Magician · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Magician by W. Somerset Maugham.
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Chapter 1
I
Arthur Burdon arrives in Paris ostensibly for surgical study but primarily to see his fiancée Margaret Dauncey. He dines with his old friend Dr. Porhoët, who reflects on Arthur's practical, unimaginative nature and his deep love for Margaret. They discuss Arthur's two-year engagement and plans to marry. Dr. Porhoët mentions a fellow student of the occult, Oliver Haddo, whom Arthur dismisses with scorn. The chapter establishes Arthur's character, his devotion to Margaret, and introduces the mysterious Haddo.
Chapter 2
II
Margaret Dauncey and Susie Boyd await Arthur Burdon's visit to their Paris flat. Susie reflects on her own life and her affection for Margaret, while Arthur and Margaret's romantic history is revealed: Arthur was her guardian and secretly paid for her upbringing and art studies. Margaret discovers this and confesses her love, leading to their engagement. During tea, Susie observes Arthur's intense capacity for suffering and warns Margaret to be careful with his heart.
Chapter 3
III
At the Chien Noir, Susie introduces Arthur to the bohemian circle, including the bitter painter O'Brien, the irregular couple Rouge and Madame Rouge, and the aesthetic Meyer with Madame Meyer. Oliver Haddo arrives, insults several patrons to clear seats, orders his meal in reverse, and dominates the table with outrageous claims about lion hunting and his noble lineage. His unsettling presence drives away most of the party, leaving only Margaret, Arthur, Dr. Porhoët, and Susie.
Chapter 4
IV
The group attends a fair at the Lion de Belfort, where Oliver Haddo joins them uninvited. After a silhouette-cutting, they visit a snake-charmer's booth. Haddo demonstrates his power by causing a horse to tremble and later handles a poisonous viper, causing a rabbit's death. Arthur and Margaret are disturbed, while Susie and Dr. Porhoët are intrigued by Haddo's occult knowledge.
Chapter 5
V
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.
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