Mr Norrell determined to establish himself in London with…
““Mr Norrell determined to establish himself in London with all possible haste. "You must get a house, Childermass," he said. "Get me a house that says to those that visit it that magic is a respectable profession - no less than Law and a great deal more so than Medicine." Childermass inquired drily if Mr Norrell wished him to seek out architecture expressive of the proposition that magic was as respectable as the Church? Mr Norrell (who knew there were such things as jokes in the world or people would not write about them in books, but who had never actually been introduced to a joke or shaken its hand) considered a while before replying at last that no, he did not think they could quite claim that.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Norrell wants a house that signals magic’s legitimacy, equating it with respected professions, highlighting his desire for social acceptance of the magical arts.
In simple terms: He seeks a respectable image for magic.
Key Takeaway
Present magic as a respectable profession.
Themes
ambition
status
image
magic
society
Mood
determined
aspirational
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- publishing a magical book
- seeking patronage
- building a magical academy
- negotiating with aristocracy
Key Concepts
social legitimacy
professionalism
perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you convey legitimacy for unconventional careers?
- What symbols best communicate respectability?
A Different Perspective
Magic may never be fully accepted by mainstream society.