“Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” by Susanna Clarke: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

“Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell,” Susanna Clarke’s debut novel, published in 2004, is a masterful work of historical fantasy set in an alternative 19th-century England where magic is real but largely dormant. The novel follows the lives of two magicians, Gilbert Norrell and Jonathan Strange, as they strive to revive English magic and navigate the complex social, political, and personal ramifications of their endeavors. Clarke’s rich prose, detailed world-building, and intricate plot have earned the novel critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. This article offers an in-depth analysis of “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell,” exploring its themes, characters, narrative techniques, and its impact on contemporary literature.

Author Background

Susanna Clarke: A Brief Biography

Susanna Clarke was born on November 1, 1959, in Nottingham, England. She studied at St Hilda’s College, Oxford, and worked in various publishing roles before dedicating herself to writing full-time. Clarke spent over a decade writing “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell,” a testament to her meticulous research and dedication to crafting a richly detailed narrative. The novel’s success has established Clarke as a significant voice in contemporary fantasy literature, and she has since published other works, including the 2020 novel “Piranesi.”

Plot Summary

“Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” is set during the Napoleonic Wars and explores the revival of practical magic in England. The novel opens with Mr. Norrell, a reclusive scholar-magician, demonstrating his magical abilities to the skeptical members of the York Society of Magicians. He soon becomes the only practicing magician in England, securing a position of influence with the British government. However, Mr. Norrell’s cautious approach to magic and desire to control its practice leads to conflict when Jonathan Strange, a young and daring magician, emerges.

Strange becomes Norrell’s pupil, and their partnership initially flourishes. However, their differing philosophies on magic—Norrell’s conservative caution versus Strange’s bold experimentation—eventually lead to a rift. The novel’s plot intertwines their personal and professional struggles with broader historical events, including the Napoleonic Wars and the mysterious activities of the malevolent fairy, the Gentleman with the Thistle-Down-Hair. The narrative culminates in a dramatic confrontation that alters the course of English magic forever.

Themes

The Nature of Power

One of the central themes of “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” is the nature of power, both magical and political. Clarke examines how power is acquired, wielded, and the consequences it brings. Mr. Norrell seeks to control and restrict the practice of magic to maintain his dominance, while Jonathan Strange embraces a more open and experimental approach. Their conflict reflects broader questions about authority, control, and the ethical use of power. The novel also explores the corrupting influence of power, particularly through the character of the Gentleman with the Thistle-Down-Hair, whose manipulations bring suffering to those around him.

Tradition vs. Innovation

The tension between tradition and innovation is a recurring theme in the novel. Mr. Norrell represents the traditional, scholarly approach to magic, emphasizing caution and the preservation of knowledge. In contrast, Jonathan Strange embodies innovation, pushing the boundaries of magical practice and seeking new knowledge and experiences. This theme is mirrored in the broader societal changes of the period, as England undergoes political and social transformations. Clarke explores the dynamic interplay between maintaining tradition and embracing progress, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise from this tension.

Friendship and Rivalry

The complex relationship between Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is central to the novel. Their friendship, mentorship, and eventual rivalry drive much of the plot. Clarke delves into the dynamics of their relationship, exploring themes of jealousy, admiration, and the desire for recognition. The evolving relationship between the two magicians serves as a lens through which broader themes of ambition, loyalty, and the personal cost of professional success are examined.

The Supernatural and the Mundane

Clarke seamlessly blends the supernatural with the mundane, creating a world where magic exists alongside everyday life. The novel’s detailed portrayal of 19th-century England, complete with historical figures and events, grounds the fantastical elements in a believable reality. This blending of the magical and the ordinary underscores the novel’s exploration of how magic affects the lives of individuals and society. Clarke uses this interplay to examine the human condition, exploring how the extraordinary can illuminate the ordinary and vice versa.

Characters

Gilbert Norrell

Mr. Norrell is a reclusive and bookish magician who seeks to revive English magic in a controlled and scholarly manner. His character is defined by his cautious approach, desire for control, and fear of the unknown. Norrell’s motivations are complex; while he genuinely wants to restore magic, his actions are often driven by insecurity and a desire for recognition. His relationship with Jonathan Strange, initially one of mentor and pupil, becomes strained as their differing philosophies clash. Norrell’s character arc is one of gradual isolation, as his attempts to control magic lead to unintended consequences.

Jonathan Strange

Jonathan Strange is a charismatic and adventurous magician who contrasts sharply with Mr. Norrell. His natural talent for magic and willingness to experiment set him on a path of discovery and conflict. Strange’s character is driven by a desire for knowledge and a sense of adventure, but he also grapples with personal demons, including his relationship with his wife, Arabella, and the impact of his actions on those around him. Strange’s journey from enthusiastic pupil to disillusioned rival is central to the novel’s exploration of ambition, power, and the cost of pursuing one’s dreams.

The Gentleman with the Thistle-Down-Hair

The Gentleman with the Thistle-Down-Hair is a powerful and malevolent fairy who becomes a central antagonist in the novel. His character embodies the capricious and dangerous nature of fairy magic. The Gentleman manipulates both Norrell and Strange, as well as other characters, to achieve his own ends, often with devastating consequences. His interactions with Lady Pole and Stephen Black highlight themes of enslavement and manipulation, as the Gentleman uses his power to control and exploit others. The character’s motivations and actions add a layer of complexity to the novel’s exploration of the supernatural.

Arabella Strange

Arabella Strange, Jonathan’s wife, is a strong and compassionate character who provides emotional support to her husband while also pursuing her own interests and desires. Her character represents the personal cost of the magicians’ actions, as she becomes entangled in the dangerous world of magic. Arabella’s kidnapping by the Gentleman with the Thistle-Down-Hair and her subsequent experiences in the fairy realm underscore the novel’s themes of love, loss, and the human impact of magical conflicts.

Lady Pole

Lady Pole is a tragic figure who becomes ensnared in the machinations of Mr. Norrell and the Gentleman. Resurrected by Norrell’s magic, she is subsequently trapped in a nightmarish existence by the Gentleman’s enchantments. Lady Pole’s struggles and her attempts to communicate her plight reflect the novel’s themes of powerlessness and the consequences of magical interventions. Her character highlights the darker side of magic and the ethical dilemmas faced by those who wield it.

Stephen Black

Stephen Black, the butler of Sir Walter Pole, is another key character who falls under the Gentleman’s influence. Despite his status as a servant, Stephen is portrayed with dignity and complexity, and his interactions with the Gentleman reveal the racial and social dynamics of the period. Stephen’s eventual rise to power in the fairy realm serves as both a commentary on the arbitrary nature of social status and a reflection of the novel’s exploration of identity and transformation.

Narrative Techniques

Footnotes and Historical Detail

One of the distinctive features of “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” is Clarke’s use of footnotes to provide historical context, elaborate on magical lore, and add depth to the narrative. These footnotes create a sense of authenticity and immersion, as they mimic the style of 19th-century historical texts. They also allow Clarke to explore subplots and background details without disrupting the main narrative flow. The extensive historical detail and rich world-building contribute to the novel’s atmosphere, grounding the fantastical elements in a meticulously researched setting.

Multiple Perspectives

Clarke employs multiple perspectives throughout the novel, allowing readers to see events from different characters’ viewpoints. This technique adds complexity to the narrative and provides insight into the motivations and inner lives of various characters. By shifting perspectives, Clarke creates a more nuanced and layered story, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the novel’s themes and conflicts.

Rich Prose and Descriptive Language

Clarke’s prose is characterized by its richness and attention to detail. Her descriptive language brings the setting and characters to life, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. Clarke’s ability to evoke the atmosphere of 19th-century England, from the grandeur of London society to the eerie beauty of the fairy realms, enhances the novel’s appeal and draws readers into its world.

Humor and Satire

The novel is imbued with a subtle sense of humor and satire, often poking fun at the conventions of the period and the pretensions of its characters. Clarke’s witty observations and playful tone add a layer of entertainment to the narrative, while also providing social commentary. The humor and satire serve to balance the darker themes of the novel, creating a multifaceted and engaging reading experience.

Cultural and Literary Impact

Reception and Critical Acclaim

“Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its originality, depth, and literary quality. The novel won several prestigious awards, including the Hugo Award for Best Novel, the World Fantasy Award, and the Locus Award for Best First Novel. Critics lauded Clarke’s ability to blend historical fiction with fantasy, her richly developed characters, and her intricate plot.