Donal Grant: Chapters 28- 36

We remarked earlier that there is a teasing symbolism presented in our story.  The castle can be seen to suggest the mystery of the human mind.  Donal confirms this when he remarks: “A house is so like a human mind . . . .”  Actura questions: “the house is therefore a fit outside to my inner nature–as the shell fits the snail?”  (p 244).  In their conversation that follows GMD reveals much of his understanding of the working of the Spirit within the human mind, and this is further developed in our reading for this week, especially in Chapter 32.  Note that the castle belongs to both  Lord Morwen and Arctura, and it is they who hear and are mystified by the sounds and are responding to them.  They represent two quite different spiritual types.

It must be emphasized that MacDonald is not writing allegory here, and it is folly to attempt to see allegorical significance in all the images.   But the sounds are produced by soft and low blowing of the wind, and in Scripture, such as John 3, the wind is seen as a symbol of the moving of the Holy Spirit.  When the wind blows, Donal and Actura are driven to further explore the depths of the castle.  MacDonald may be seen to be  exploring the nature of the working of the Holy Spirit within the soul of those who have not yet come to him. 

Early in Chapter 32 Donal recalls there are rumors that mysterious sounds  have been heard in some castles and they have been associated with evil incidents that have occurred there in the past.   The conversation as it continues focuses upon the nature of salvation, and the rumor that there is a hidden room deep within the castle.  Actura is obsessed with the possibility, and she and Donal set out to discover it.   Has MacDonald in mind a person’s subconscious?   

Lord Morwen’s state is described as belonging more “to the demoniacal than the human.”  In a fit of rage, he tells Forgue that he was not married to his mother, hence Forgue is not in line to inherit anything  as he has supposed.  Donal is present when Morwen reveals this and is uncertain as to what his obligations may be, but then realizes Morwen in his rage and may not be telling the truth.

Our story focuses much on Actura’s spiritual journey, and it is nurtured by her assisting Donal as he attempts to help nearby fisher folk suffering from the effects of a violent storm.  GMD writes “nothing helps many, perhaps all, to believe in God so much as the active practical love of the neighbor.”  The castle belongs to her, and she is obsessed with the desire to see if there is a hidden room in its depths and to find it. Donal is determined to help her.  He is convinced if a hidden room does exist, it is associated with a “terrible wrong.”

DO YOU FIND THE TRACING OF ACTURA’S SPIRITUAL JOURNEY PSYCHOLOGICALLY  INSIGHTFUL?.  WHAT ABOUT IT DO YOU LIKE, OR QUESTION?

ANY OTHER RESPONSES TO THE TEXT? 

Comments

Tim M said…
Thanks for your insight in exploring the relationship between the Harp sounds and the spiritual journey of the people. It would appear that Donal and Arctura are drawn toward it and seek to know its source where Lord Morwen is driven to distraction by it. So with the promptings of the Holy Spirit some are drawn closer as to a comforter and some rebel and kick against this influence. All three heard the sounds. Could all three within themselves have responded, for instance, with equal curiosity?
February 17, 2022 at 7:58 AM
Rolland Hein said…
Yes, Morwen epitomizes the flagrant evil doer, and his reactions are quite different, intense, and deeply disturbing. He uses drugs in an attempt to obliterate the sounds. More about him in our next readings.
February 17, 2022 at 8:39 AM
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