This Rough Magic: Plot Details and Character Insights
Godfrey Manning’s Activities on Corfu
Godfrey Manning, a photographer and writer, rents Villa Rotha in Corfu. While seemingly working on a book and taking pictures, he secretly engages in counterfeiting. He produces fake money, intending to smuggle it to Albania. To protect his illicit operation, he attempts to murder Spiro by pushing him into the sea at night.
Adoni’s Role and Character
Adoni is a young man employed at Castello dei Fiori. He is a loyal friend to Spiro and Max Gale. Deeply in love with Miranda, Spiro’s sister, they plan to marry. Adoni demonstrates bravery and honesty, notably by discovering the counterfeit money hidden in a cave near the estate.
Lucy’s Evolving Feelings for Max Gale
Initially, Lucy harbors a strong dislike for Max Gale, Sir Julian Gale’s son. Their relationship begins with arguments, particularly after Lucy suspects Max of harming a dolphin, and Max’s initial demeanor towards her is unkind. However, Lucy’s perception shifts as she witnesses Max’s true character: his bravery and kindness, especially when he aids the injured dolphin and assists Spiro. This revelation leads Lucy to fall in love with him.
Godfrey’s Attempted Murder of Spiro
Godfrey attempts to murder Spiro to silence him. Spiro had uncovered Godfrey’s secret operation: the plan to smuggle counterfeit money to Albania. To conceal his crime, Godfrey pushes Spiro into the sea. However, Spiro survives the attack, managing to swim to safety and hide.
The Counterfeit Money in the Cave
Within a cave near the house, Adoni discovers packages containing counterfeit money, hidden there by Godfrey. Lucy also stumbles upon one of these packages. Upon realizing this, Godfrey abducts Lucy onto his boat. Lucy bravely jumps into the sea, where she is miraculously rescued by a dolphin.
Shakespearean Allusions in This Rough Magic
Shakespeare is frequently referenced throughout the novel. The book’s title, This Rough Magic, is directly quoted from his play The Tempest. Sir Julian Gale, a prominent character, is a renowned actor known for his performances in Shakespearean plays. He often likens the island of Corfu to the magical island depicted in The Tempest, engaging in discussions with Lucy and occasionally reciting lines from the play.
The Treacherous Bond of Godfrey and Spiro
Godfrey, a photographer and writer, secretly operates as a criminal. Spiro works for Godfrey, assisting him on his boat. Their relationship turns deadly when Spiro uncovers Godfrey’s illicit activities: the smuggling of fake money to Albania. To prevent Spiro from exposing him, Godfrey attempts to murder him by pushing him into the sea. However, Spiro survives and later reveals the truth.
Miranda’s Discovery in the Secret Cave
Miranda, Spiro’s sister, ventures into a secret cave where she uncovers several packages. These packages contain fake money, directly linked to Godfrey’s criminal enterprise. Her discovery signals a significant and dangerous problem.
Adoni’s Decision to Let Godfrey Escape
Adoni, a close friend of Spiro and Miranda’s boyfriend, is fully aware of Godfrey’s severe crimes. During their confrontation, Adoni chooses not to kill Godfrey or physically restrain him, instead allowing him to escape. Despite Miranda’s anger, Adoni implies he has already exacted a form of revenge, perhaps by inflicting a blow or seizing something vital from Godfrey.
Lucy’s Grim Discovery by the Sea
Lucy, the protagonist, discovers a body while walking by the sea. Initially, she fears it is Spiro. However, the deceased is identified as Yanni Zoulas, a fisherman complicit in Godfrey’s illicit activities. This grim find underscores the escalating danger within the narrative.
Godfrey’s Illicit Activities in Albania
Godfrey traveled to Albania by boat, transporting hidden counterfeit money. His objective was to sell or utilize this illicit currency, aiming to either destabilize Albania’s economy or profit from smuggling. This constituted a highly illegal and perilous scheme.