In the Lake of the Woods Is About the Nature of Magic

In The Lake Of The Woods is about the nature of magic. It is about the illusions that John Wade creates and his inability to sustain them. Discuss

Tim O'Brien's In The Lake Of The Woods explores the theme of magic through its protagonist John Wade. John’s obsession with magic is a key metaphor in this novel, and he derives his obsession from his tortured youth. Eventually trickery and deceit combine with war atrocities, creating precarious circumstances which John is determined control. However, John’s use of smoke and mirrors fail to conceal the tragic truth of his reality. Extreme actions are taken on John’s behalf to maintain his illusions, but inevitably, he has to confront disillusionment.

The most prominent reason for John's use of magic and illusions, is his insatiable thirst for love. In his early childhood, John is neglected by his alcoholic father who doesn't approve of John's obsession with magic and calls him a “blubby little pansy”. Thus John’s reliance on mirrors and magic acts as a metaphor for his lost and damaged soul. He is trapped behind a facade of what he believes or desires reality to be and he craves acceptance and transformation. The mirror behind his eyes enables him to “turn bad things into good things and just be happy.” John often “wondered why his father hated him” and as an adult, he has warped perceptions of unconditional love. Due to this, John spies on Kathy on many occasions, not only to feel powerful, but to avoid losing her. His “overwhelming need for love” produces the mindset that he must retain Kathy's affections through secrecy and dishonesty. Ultimately, the fact that “he was afraid of losing her”, leads to his use of trickery to secure love from his wife. Additionally, O’Brien uses the setting of the cabin to further emphasise the notion of secrecy in the protagonist’s relationship as it lies amongst isolated woods amid a labyrinth of lakes. The manner in which the fog shrouds the cabin metaphorically suggests that...