A Darker Shade of Magic
Chapter 7: Grey thief I
by Schwab, V. E.Lila Bard, a skilled thief, lives by the principle that anything worth having is worth taking. In this chapter, she steals a silver pocket watch from a gentleman on a crowded street, admiring its craftsmanship while remaining undetected. The watch symbolizes freedom to her, a small but meaningful escape from poverty or imprisonment. Her confidence is tested when a constable approaches, asking for the time. Lila maintains her composure, disguising her voice and hiding her face under a stolen top hat, though she risks exposure by lighting the constable’s pipe with a sliver of wood from the street.
The encounter with the constable stirs a thrill in Lila, who enjoys flirting with danger. She reflects on past criticisms from Barron, who accused her of seeking trouble, but she dismisses his concerns, believing trouble finds everyone eventually. Her boldness is evident as she engages with the constable, who warns her about a notorious thief targeting the area. Unbeknownst to him, Lila is the very thief he describes, and she struggles to suppress her amusement as he hands her a WANTED poster bearing a vague sketch of her disguised self.
Lila’s philosophy as a thief is revealed: she targets the wealthy, who are less vigilant, rather than the poor, who guard their possessions closely. She sees the world divided into smart and stupid parts, and she prides herself on navigating them deftly. The constable’s warning about the audacious thief only reinforces her confidence in her methods. After the constable leaves, Lila’s relief is palpable, but her pride in her cunning outweighs any fear of being caught.
The chapter concludes with Lila removing her hat to reveal the mask and cap hidden inside, a silent celebration of her dual identity. She heads to the docks, whistling, embodying both the danger and freedom she craves. Her actions underscore her rebellious spirit and her belief that living fully means embracing risk, even if it means walking a fine line between survival and self-destruction.
FAQs
1. How does Lila Bard justify her thievery, and what does this reveal about her worldview?
Answer:
Lila justifies her thefts by believing “if a thing was worth having, it was worth taking.” She sees stealing as a means to buy herself freedom, even if it’s a “poor excuse” compared to prison or poverty. This reveals her pragmatic and survival-oriented mindset—she operates in a moral gray area where ends justify means. Her indifference to the stolen watch itself (“she didn’t care about the object”) underscores that she values autonomy over material wealth. The chapter also hints at her rebellious nature through her internal dialogue (“I just want to live”), suggesting she rejects societal norms that would confine her.2. Analyze the significance of Lila’s interaction with the constable. How does this scene develop tension and character?
Answer:
The constable scene heightens tension through dramatic irony—readers know Lila is the thief he describes, while he remains unaware. Her nervous gestures (adjusting her hat, hiding weapons) and forced calm (“Half past nine”) reveal her skill at deception but also her vulnerability. The constable’s warning about pickpockets and the WANTED poster ironically mirror Lila’s actions, emphasizing her audacity. This interaction also showcases Lila’s thrill-seeking side; she lingers despite the risk, even lighting his pipe, which reflects her complex relationship with danger (“a delicious thrill ran through her chest”).3. What does the WANTED poster symbolize, and how does Lila’s reaction to it reinforce her character traits?
Answer:
The WANTED poster symbolizes both the consequences of Lila’s actions and society’s attempt to impose order. Its vague sketch (“shadowy outline”) contrasts with Lila’s precise, calculated thefts, highlighting how she outsmarts systemic detection. Her suppressed smile and internal pride (“A right audacious crook”) reveal her arrogance and enjoyment of the chase. The poster also reinforces her critique of class divides: she targets the rich because they “strut around, assuming they’d be safe,” demonstrating her belief that vulnerability is universal, not confined to “slums.”4. How does the author use clothing and disguise to develop Lila’s identity?
Answer:
Clothing is central to Lila’s identity as a thief and her fluid self-presentation. Her stolen top hat and boyish disguise (“a young man, but only from a distance”) allow her to navigate spaces undetected, but the constable’s closer inspection threatens exposure. The hidden mask and weapons beneath her cloak symbolize her duality—outward respectability concealing rebellion. Later, she “slumps” and removes the hat, briefly revealing vulnerability, but quickly reassumes the disguise, underscoring how performance is key to her survival. The garments literalize her theme of “playing” smart versus stupid parts of society.5. Evaluate Lila’s philosophy: “Trouble is the looker… Might as well find it first.” How does this mindset shape her actions in the chapter?
Answer:
This philosophy reflects Lila’s proactive approach to danger: she seeks control by confronting risks head-on. Instead of avoiding the constable, she engages him, turning a potential threat into a game (lighting his pipe). Her thrill at “the closeness of danger” suggests she equates living fully with testing limits, even if it borders on recklessness. However, her calculated thefts (distracting the watch’s owner) show she balances impulsiveness with strategy. The dichotomy between her “nervous flutter” and later whistling relief reveals that her bravado is partly performative, masking deeper anxieties about survival.
Quotes
1. “Lila Bard lived by a simple rule: if a thing was worth having, it was worth taking.”
This opening line establishes Lila’s core philosophy and moral code, framing her as a pragmatic thief who justifies her actions through a lens of meritocracy. It introduces the central tension of her character—her criminality versus her pursuit of freedom.
2. “She didn’t care about the object itself, but she cared a great deal for what it bought her: freedom.”
This quote reveals Lila’s deeper motivation behind her thievery, transforming her from a common pickpocket into a more complex character fighting for autonomy in a restrictive society. It elevates her actions beyond mere materialism.
3. “Trouble is the looker, she’d answer. It keeps looking till it finds you. Might as well find it first.”
This internal dialogue showcases Lila’s defiant worldview and her proactive approach to danger. The quote captures her philosophy of confronting life’s challenges head-on rather than waiting passively for misfortune.
4. “But Lila knew there were no good parts. Only smart parts and stupid parts, and she was quick enough to know which one to play.”
This insight demonstrates Lila’s sharp understanding of social dynamics and her strategic approach to crime. It reveals her as a thinker who analyzes her environment rather than just reacting to it.
5. “She dragged the top hat from her head and considered the mask and the broad brim cap stuffed inside. She smiled to herself.”
This closing moment provides a delicious irony as Lila—the very thief the constable warned about—reflects on her dual identity. The smile suggests her enjoyment of the dangerous game she’s playing, reinforcing her thrill-seeking nature.