The Book of Love
The Book of Daniel 15
by Link, KellyThe chapter opens with Daniel waking to the realization that he is no longer a bear, pondering whether he used magic to transform back to human form. His intimate moment with Susannah reveals Daniel’s struggle to reconcile the bear’s primal instincts with his own human identity. The physical and emotional connection between them underscores the tension between his secret self and the person he presents to those around him. This intimate scene sets the tone for Daniel’s ongoing internal conflict and the presence of magic in his life.
As the morning unfolds, Daniel observes his family and the surreal presence of Carousel, a girl who is not real but sustained by his magic. The contrast between Lissy, who is real, and Carousel, a magical construct, highlights Daniel’s burden in maintaining illusions that mask painful realities. The chapter delves into the tragic backstory of the real Carousel, Caroline, who died prematurely, and the way magic has created a substitute that disrupts the natural order of his family life. Daniel grapples with the moral implications of this magic and the fragile boundary between reality and illusion.
Daniel’s internal dialogue with his magic reveals both the tempting power and the heavy responsibility it carries. His magic offers solutions to everyday problems and grander desires, yet Daniel resists its influence, striving to maintain control. The tension between embracing magic and rejecting it is palpable as Daniel contemplates severing the magical connection to Carousel. This internal struggle is interrupted by external events, as Mo urgently calls Daniel away to a crisis involving Malo Mogge, a dangerous figure whose presence escalates the stakes and foreshadows further conflict.
The chapter culminates in a dramatic scene where Malo Mogge attacks, resulting in Ruth’s apparent death. The family’s desperate attempts to revive her underscore the limits of magic and human ability. Discussions about death and resurrection reveal differing beliefs and the harsh reality that some things cannot be undone, even with magic. The emotional weight of Ruth’s condition and the uncertainty surrounding her fate leave Daniel and his family in turmoil, setting a tone of urgency and vulnerability that propels the narrative forward.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Carousel’s character being identified as “not real,” and how does Daniel come to this realization?
Answer:
Carousel is revealed to be a magical construct rather than a real person. Daniel remembers that the real Carousel was actually named Caroline, a premature baby who died shortly after birth and never lived to be called by that name. The Carousel present at the breakfast table, eating Pop-Tarts and interacting with others, is a manifestation sustained by Daniel’s magic. He notices the magical tether connecting him to her and understands that severing it would make her disappear, though the consequences of such an action are uncertain. This realization highlights the theme of magic creating illusions of reality and forces Daniel to confront the blurred lines between what is real and what is conjured by his powers.2. How does the chapter explore the relationship between magic and reality through Daniel’s interactions with Carousel and his family?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes the tangible reality of Daniel’s family with the magical illusion represented by Carousel. Daniel’s magic sustains Carousel, making her appear real and even capable of physical actions like eating Pop-Tarts. However, Daniel’s awareness that she is not truly alive introduces tension between the magical and the real. This tension is further emphasized by Daniel’s internal dialogue with his magic, which suggests that magic can solve problems and create abundance, but Daniel resists this, seeking authenticity over illusion. This exploration underscores the complex dynamics of relying on magic to cope with loss and the desire to preserve or recreate reality.3. What role does the theme of death and resurrection play in the chapter, particularly in relation to Ruth’s condition and the discussions about bringing people back from the dead?
Answer:
Death and resurrection are central themes, especially highlighted by Ruth’s sudden death and the characters’ desperate attempts to revive her. The chapter presents a stark contrast between the magical illusions like Carousel and the irreversible reality of death. Mo’s experience with Mr. Anabin, who states that resurrection is not possible, grounds the story in a somber reality despite the presence of magic. Laura’s hope that Ruth is only “a little bit dead” reflects human denial and hope in the face of loss. This tension between magical possibility and real-world limitations deepens the emotional stakes and questions the extent to which magic can or should interfere with life and death.4. In what ways does Daniel’s internal conflict about using magic reflect broader themes of control and responsibility in the chapter?
Answer:
Daniel’s internal conflict about using magic reveals his struggle with control and responsibility. His magic tempts him with easy solutions—endless Pop-Tarts, creating beautiful gems, protecting loved ones—but Daniel resists these offers, fearing the consequences of relying on magic to manipulate reality. The chapter shows that magic is not just a tool but a force with ethical implications, as demonstrated by the potential danger of severing Carousel’s existence or attempting to reverse death. Daniel’s hesitation and his command to “shut up” to his magic reveal his desire to assert his own will and responsibility rather than surrender to magical shortcuts, emphasizing themes of maturity and the burden of power.5. How does the chapter use sensory and intimate descriptions to deepen the reader’s understanding of Daniel’s transformation and emotional state?
Answer:
The chapter opens with a vivid, intimate scene where Daniel transitions from bear back to human, marked by sensory details like Susannah’s kisses, the feel of her body, and the taste of secrets revealed. These descriptions emphasize Daniel’s reclaiming of his human identity and the complex emotions tied to it—desire, vulnerability, and the mingling of his bear instincts with his human self. This sensory immersion allows readers to experience Daniel’s internal changes viscerally, setting a tone of rawness and emotional intensity. It also contrasts with the later more cerebral reflections on magic and reality, highlighting the multifaceted nature of Daniel’s character and his ongoing struggle to integrate different parts of himself.
Quotes
1. “Someone in his life was not real. Lissy was real. Carousel was not.”
This quote introduces a pivotal revelation in the chapter about the nature of reality and illusion, highlighting the tension between what is genuine and what is magically constructed. It sets the stage for Daniel’s struggle with accepting the existence of a magical construct in his life.
2. “Magic makes her real, Daniel’s magic said. Magic can do all sorts of things. If you have magic, magic said, you never run out of Pop-Tarts. If you have magic, you can turn all the snow to amethysts and tourmalines… Carousel isn’t real, but you are. The magic that sustains her doesn’t belong to her. It belongs to you.”
This passage encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of magic as both a creative and sustaining force, while emphasizing Daniel’s responsibility and power over the magical constructs in his life. It also reflects the internal dialogue and tension Daniel experiences regarding his abilities.
3. “’I can’t get her to stop being dead,’ Laura said. ‘I tried. There has to be a way to do it, but I don’t know what it is. Mr. Anabin knows. Or Bogomil. We know they know how to do it. We just have to find them and ask.’”
This quote marks a critical turning point in the narrative where the characters confront the limits of their magical knowledge concerning life and death. It underscores the urgency and desperation around Ruth’s condition and the search for a solution.
4. “’They don’t bring people back from the dead,’ Mo said.”
This stark statement serves as a sobering counterpoint to the earlier hopes about magic’s power, grounding the story’s magical elements in a reality where some things remain beyond reach. It adds emotional weight to the predicament and raises the stakes for the characters.
5. “’I’m so sorry,’ Daniel said. ‘Hey, Susannah.’”
Though brief, this moment captures Daniel’s human vulnerability and compassion amidst supernatural turmoil. It conveys a quiet, emotional core within the chapter’s larger themes of magic, reality, and loss.