magical-factionalism
The emergence of new magicians and the division between Strangites and Norrellites at the York Society meeting illustrates the fracturing and politicization of magical practice.
1 chapter across 1 book
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell (2004)Susanna Clarke
In this chapter, Vinculus reveals that the magical words inscribed on his body have changed, signifying a transformation from prophecy to history or other literary forms, which alarms Childermass who seeks to preserve the original magic. Meanwhile, the disappearance of Strange and Norrell leads to political and social unrest among magicians, culminating in a contentious meeting of the Learned Society of York Magicians where new factions emerge, notably supporters of Strange and critics of Norrell. The chapter ends with the arrival of two disreputable men, hinting at further developments.