A Marvellous Light

Marske uses descriptions of physical strength and power to explore the distinction between outward appearances and inner character. Edwin initially dislikes Robin’s obvious physical strength and confidence, as it reminds him of “every healthy, vigorous half-witted boy he had spent his school and university years trying to ignore” (22). Later, it becomes clearer that this dislike is a form of self-protection: Men like Robin remind Edwin of the boys who bullied him as he was growing up—especially his brother Walt, who was both physically and magically stronger and took advantage of his power. Edwin’s reticence with Robin likely also relates to the dangers of pursuing romantic connections with other men in Edwardian England. Only later, after spending a great deal of time with Robin, does Edwin begin to realize that his confident, athletic exterior hides a sensitive and vulnerable interior. Robin, too, has been treated with disdain by his parents and forced to hide his true self from the prejudices of his society. As the two begin to understand each other’s true character, an unexpected romance grows between them.

Flora Sutton, the owner of Sutton Cottage, is another figure whose outward appearance belies her true character. Edwin assumes at first that the elderly Flora Sutton must be as frail as she looks, but Robin and Edwin soon realize that her appearance is meant to conceal her true power as a magician. At Sutton Cottage, Flora presides over a form of magic rooted not in contracts but in the bond between the land and its inhabitants. This older form of magic has long since fallen out of favor in the male-dominated magical world, but Flora is willing to die to protect it. When Walt arrives at the cottage to take its secrets for himself—threatening to harm Edwin and Robin in the process—the house reveals that its power is even greater than Walt’s.

Though Robin is frequently depicted boxing and is a skilled rower, in the end it is his emotional bravery, along with Edwin’s intellect, that benefits them most in their fight with Walt. Robin’s willingness to end his life rather than risk Edwin or his sister strikes Walt as a bluff, but Edwin tells his brother, “that’s because you don’t know him” (344). By this point, Edwin has come to understand Robin’s inner strength. He sees Robin’s true character, while Walt sees only his outward appearance. After the house rescues them, Edwin decides to bind his brother in a blood-oath rather than seek more obvious revenge—this choice sets Walt so off balance that, unable to see his brother as a threat, he fails to realize that Edwin and Robin have been left free to thwart his future plans. Walt’s reliance on appearances is ultimately his downfall.