Mythgard Academy

The Boundaries of English Magic

The Dispute over English Magic

The Digestion of English Magic: In Class 5, Jonathan Strange meets the emphatically practical Lord Wellington and performs questionable magic on the Iberian peninsula. We also discuss how Mr. Norrell shows his most endearing qualities just as he sinks to his most petty and selfish depths.

The Growth of English Magic: In week 4, we discuss the role of Vinculus and his book, and take a detailed look at his interactions with Childermass in the Tarot card reading episode. In addition, we are finally introduced to the eponymous Jonathan Strange and explore the odd presentation of his backstory via the perplexing tale of his father Lawrence Strange's vendetta against the servant Jeremy Johns.

The Emancipation of English Magic: In Class 3, we explore the role of the abolition movement and the theme of emancipation in the novel's subtext and in adding depth to the character of Stephen Black. We also take a look at the character and motivations of the Gentleman with the Thistle-down Hair, the resurrection of Lady Pole, and the prophecy given by street magician Vinculus.

Perspectives of English Magic: In week 2, we discuss the dramatic discrepancy between how London society actually views magic and how Mr. Norrell wishes them to see it. In doing so, we explore Mr. Norrell's first meetings with characters such as Mr. Drawlight, Sir Walter Pole, Captain Harcourt-Bruce, and the Gentleman with the Thistle-down Hair and their varied reactions to both Norrell and his proposed revival (or redefinition) of English magic.

The Discovery of English Magic: In the first class, we discuss the intricacy of Susanna Clarke's subcreation, examining how she creates the "impression of depth" through her fidelity to the style and tone of 19th century British literature and through the detailed presentation of a convincing alternative history. Special attention is paid to the book's presentation of magic, the treatment of Færie, and the introduction of the staid and miserly Mr. Norrell.

The Echoes of the Lays

The Great Escape

Dungeons and Great Doom

Release from Bondage

The Echo of a Spell

The Epic Impulse

Of Increase and Digression

Love and Loss

Exploring the Epic

The Movie: Part 2

The Movie: Part 1

What This Book Says

The True Heroes