The Portent · Question
How does The Portent develop the theme of The Power of Will and Desire?
Answer
The Portent by George MacDonald develops The Power of Will and Desire across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Duncan's intense longing for Lady Alice manifests as a psychic force that can summon her in her sleep, illustrating how unchecked desire can cross boundaries between the conscious and unconscious, and between the living and the dreamlike, with both enchanting and dangerous consequences.
Duncan discovers his ability to summon Alice through sheer will, and later struggles to control this power, highlighting the theme's central conflict.
Duncan's will to resist temptation and Lady Alice's determination to learn are central.
The narrator's will strengthens his hearing, and Lady Alice's desire to express herself breaks through her sleepwalking state.
Evidence in the book
- X: Love and Power
Duncan discovers his ability to summon Alice through sheer will, and later struggles to control this power, highlighting the theme's central conflict.
- A New Pupil
Duncan's will to resist temptation and Lady Alice's determination to learn are central.
- Confession
The narrator's will strengthens his hearing, and Lady Alice's desire to express herself breaks through her sleepwalking state.
- XV: The Chamber of Ghosts
Alice demonstrates her newfound power of will by summoning Duncan to the haunted chamber, reversing their earlier dynamic.
- XXIV: Prison-Breaking
Duncan's use of his will to summon Alice demonstrates the theme's role in their connection.
