# Obsession and Control in The Magician

> Theme guide for The Magician by W. Somerset Maugham.

Haddo's obsessive pursuit of Margaret and his desire to control her through hypnotism and magical experiments highlight themes of domination, while Arthur's obsessive fear for Margaret's safety drives the plot.

## Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/chapters/i): Arthur's focused, practical nature borders on obsession with his work and his love; Haddo's occult studies hint at a controlling fascination.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/chapters/iii): Haddo's deliberate insults and dominating conversation demonstrate his need to control the social environment.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/chapters/vi): Haddo's manipulative and controlling behavior is detailed, from his brutal football tactics to his cruel treatment of natives during the expedition.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/chapters/vii): Haddo's obsessive pursuit of power through alchemy and his manipulative behavior—sending flowers, feigning apology—demonstrate his need for control.
- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/chapters/viii): Haddo's feigned illness and hypnotic ritual demonstrate his manipulative control over Margaret, driven by his obsession with her.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/chapters/ix): Haddo's hypnotic power over Margaret illustrates his obsessive control, reducing her to an automaton driven by an irresistible compulsion.
- [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/chapters/x): Haddo's calculated revenge and possible supernatural manipulation of Margaret's will reflect themes of obsessive control and domination.
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/chapters/xi): Arthur's obsessive love for Margaret consumes him, while Haddo exerts control over Margaret's life and behavior.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/chapters/xii): Haddo's psychological and possibly supernatural hold over Margaret is central; he manipulates her actions and emotions even from a distance.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/chapters/xiii): 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.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/chapters/xiv): Arthur's obsessive pursuit of justice and Haddo's manipulative control over the situation highlight this theme.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/chapters/xvi): Arthur's obsessive hatred and desire for vengeance control his actions, leading to murder.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/themes/obsession_and_control
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magician_se/themes