Fifth Business

Summary

The novel «Fifth Business» by Robertson Davies tells the life story of Dunstan Ramsay, a history teacher and biographer who experiences numerous events starting from his childhood in the small Canadian town of Deptford. The pivotal event that shapes his life occurs when he accidentally hits a pregnant woman with a snowball, leading to the birth of a boy named Paul Dempster. As the story unfolds, Dunstan becomes a witness to and participant in many events involving Paul, who becomes the famous magician Magnus Eisengrim, and Boy Staunton, his school friend who becomes a successful businessman and politician. The novel explores themes of guilt, responsibility, religion, and magic, as well as the role each person plays in the lives of others, often remaining in the background, like the «fifth business» in a play.

Main Ideas

• Exploration of the role of the «fifth player» in life: the concept that everyone plays a unique but not always leading role in the lives of others.
• Psychological and spiritual development: the journey of the main character, Dunstan Ramsay, towards self-discovery and understanding his place in the world.
• The influence of the past on the present: how childhood and youth events shape a person's identity and destiny.
• Mythology and symbolism: the use of mythological and religious symbols to deepen the understanding of human nature and fate.
• Theme of guilt and redemption: exploration of guilt and attempts at redemption through actions and self-sacrifice.
• Relationships and their complexity: the intricate and layered relationships between characters and their influence on one another.

Historical Context and Significance

«Fifth Business» by Robertson Davies is the first book in the «Deptford Trilogy» and is considered an important work in Canadian literature. The book explores themes of identity, fate, and moral responsibility through the lens of the main character, Dunstan Ramsay's life. It touches on questions of psychology and mythology, making it significant for the study of human nature and the inner world. The book's influence on culture is evident in its deep analysis of human relationships and personal growth, as well as its ability to blend realism with elements of magical realism. «Fifth Business» also contributed to the recognition of Canadian literature on the international stage.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Dunstan Ramsay - the main character and narrator of the book. He undergoes numerous trials starting from childhood when he inadvertently causes Mrs. Dempster's injury. Throughout his life, he seeks to understand his role and place in the world, exploring themes of guilt, religion, and magic. His development includes profound spiritual and personal transformation.
• Percy Boy Staunton - Dunstan's friend and antagonist. Initially presented as a spoiled and selfish boy, he becomes a successful businessman. His development shows how external success can mask internal emptiness and moral bankruptcy.
• Mary Dempster - the wife of a local minister who becomes mentally unstable after the snowball incident. She plays a key role in Dunstan's life, who considers her a saint. Her development is tied to themes of sanctity and sacrifice.
• Paul Dempster - Mary Dempster's son, who becomes a famous magician under the name Magnus Eisengrim. His life and career intertwine with Dunstan's, and he also explores themes of magic and illusion.
• Liesl Cruz - Dunstan's school friend who becomes his love interest. Her development shows how personal ambitions and desires can influence relationships and destinies.

Style and Technique

«Fifth Business» by Robertson Davies is written in the form of memoirs, giving the narrative a personal and intimate character. The author's style is marked by erudition and depth, using a rich and varied language that includes both everyday expressions and literary allusions. Davies masterfully weaves mythological and religious motifs into the text, adding symbolic layers to the work. Literary techniques such as retrospection and stream of consciousness help reveal the inner world of the main character, Dunstan Ramsay. The story's structure is nonlinear, with frequent time shifts, allowing the author to explore the influence of the past on the present. Secondary characters also play an important role, each symbolizing certain aspects of human nature and fate.

Interesting Facts

• The book is the first part of the «Deptford Trilogy».
• The title «Fifth Business» refers to a theatrical term for a character who is neither the hero nor the villain but plays a crucial role in the development of the plot.
• The main character, Dunstan Ramsay, tells his story in the form of a letter to the headmaster of the school where he taught.
• One of the central themes of the book is the impact of childhood traumas on adult life.
• The book explores the concepts of myth and reality, as well as their interconnection.
• A pivotal incident with a snowball plays a significant role in the plot, altering the destinies of several characters.
• Robertson Davies uses elements of magical realism to emphasize the mystical and psychological aspects of the story.
• The book has been praised by critics for its deep psychological insight and complex character portrayals.

Book Review

«Fifth Business» by Robertson Davies is a profound and multilayered novel that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and self-identity. Critics praise the author's skill in creating complex and memorable characters, as well as his ability to weave mythological and psychological elements into the narrative. The main character, Dunstan Ramsay, is presented to the reader as a man whose life and fate are intertwined with mystical and historical events, making his story captivating and meaningful. Davies skillfully uses symbolism and allusions, allowing the reader to delve deeper into the plot and discover new meanings with each reading. Critics also highlight the author's rich language and style, which make reading the novel a true pleasure. «Fifth Business» is deservedly considered a classic of Canadian literature and continues to inspire and captivate readers worldwide.