OnlineBookClub.org

In the first few pages of the second chapter, the narrative dwelt mostly on Delvin's recounting of his memories of Borlock. Do you think that Borlock had to die before Delvin could fully understand how he had been affected by Borlock? Was he merely trying to remember what led to Borlock's death? Is there any other interpretation you can give for the narration in the first few pages of Chapter Two?

I think Delvin is grieving over Borlock who used to be his friend and teacher. It is probably because Borlock died that Delvin understood Borlock's role in his life. After all, but for Borlock's death, Delvin would not have inherited the stone and there would have been no story of his adventures!

It’s very possible that Borlock did have to die for these feelings to be released. It’s a lot like “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” Delvin didn’t know what a big part of his life Borlock was until he realized that Borlock would no longer be around.

He didn't know what had happened. He questioned why the man dressed in black was by the window. He was grieving Borlock and trying to understand what had happened. He was calling on his memory of what happened after the show. I don't think Delvin doubted his feelings of admiration for Borlock prior to his death.

Of course Borlock had to die. Delvin would never really lived his life as a magician if that didn't happen. Only after he did what Borlock did he understands more what it meant to be a magician. It is a dangerous profession.

Unfortunately, you never know what you had until it is gone. Borlock was his teacher and friend, and being framed for said friend's death is a huge shock on top of losing your friend. I do believe that Delvin would have eventually grown into his own shoes, but without Borlock dying, he would never have received the stone, which means his story would have most possibly gone down an entirely different path.

I think he didn't appreciate Borlock as much as he should have until Borlock was gone and yes of course his life would have been completely different if Borlock had lived.

Like another poster said, this is similar to the adage "you don't realize what you've got until it's gone." It seems that Borlock's death was necessary for this realization. Delvin wasn't aware of how important Borlock was to him until he learned that Borlock would no longer be there.

Amy Luman wrote: ↑07 Mar 2023, 22:26 It’s very possible that Borlock did have to die for these feelings to be released. It’s a lot like “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” Delvin didn’t know what a big part of his life Borlock was until he realized that Borlock would no longer be around.

Very True. You just challenged my thinking. Or maybe there would be no more adventures if Borlock didn't die.

Just like many have said above, you only realize the worth after you lose it. Delvin's teacher's death gave room for expansion of the storyline and was completely necessary.

I think Borlock had to die. Or Delvin might never come to be a magician or possess Borlock's stone. And also for Delvin to understand what a big part Borlock played in his life, Borlock's death was important.

Well, the saying that we don't know what we have until we lose it worked in the chapter. Delviin had to reminisce and understand everything and the role Borlock played in his life.

I believe it is common for people to obsess over memories of a deceased loved one because they treasure the happy times they shared, the impact the loss had on them, and the knowledge that they will never again share moments together. Furthermore, the death of Borlock pushed Delvin out of his comfort zone, causing him to leave his hometown in search of a fresh start.

Stephanie_Chapman wrote: ↑08 Mar 2023, 07:50 He didn't know what had happened. He questioned why the man dressed in black was by the window. He was grieving Borlock and trying to understand what had happened. He was calling on his memory of what happened after the show. I don't think Delvin doubted his feelings of admiration for Borlock prior to his death.

You spoke my mind on this matter. He needed to figure out what had happened prior Borlock's death.

I don't think he doubted his feelings about Borlock either. I think he was just confused by all that happened. After all, he just remembers the dark figure and he was holding a chair leg. He must have questioned himself. Imagine having a hole in your memory.
And yes, I think Borlock had to die to give sense to his new adventure of becoming a magician.