47 pages • 1 hour read
Neil Patrick Harris, Illustr. Lissy MarlinThe Magic Misfits
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
Carter’s Satchel
Carter owns no possessions save a leather satchel that he carries with him everywhere. The satchel contains everything he needs, such as spare socks, his magic supplies, and, most importantly, the only item that connects him to his deceased parents. Although Harris never reveals the contents of the small wooden box, it is clear that the item holds great sentimental value to Carter and represents a connection to his family of origin. The satchel contains memories and secrets that connect him to his past and shape his future.
The satchel also symbolizes security and Carter’s sense of identity. As he runs from Uncle Sly, he almost loses hold of the bag, and the first thing he does when safely inside the train is to ensure that the box is intact. Feeling the weight of the satchel strapped across him anchors him whenever he feels lost and untethered. Since Carter has no permanent home, the bag represents the only constant in his life. The wooden box is engraved with his father’s initials, a tangible reminder that Carter once had a loving family. Thus, the satchel also represents his hope that he might find that sense of belonging again. As the satchel cradles his head on the train ride, the narrative describes the comfort it brings, stating, “Carter placed his satchel underneath his head like a pillow, then drifted off to sleep, dreaming about hope and fate and destiny and adventure, as well as a fleeting thought or two about the possibility of magic” (6). The satchel helps comfort Carter in his sadness and even aids in delivering him to his destined family, as Mr. Vernon sees the engraved box and realizes his connection to Carter’s father. This leads him to invite Carter to join their family. Once Carter has found a home, the satchel symbolizes his journey and resilience, aiding in the restoration of his belief in magic.
Magic
The concept of magic has intrigued and fascinated people across all cultures, religions, and historical periods, and people interpret the idea of magic in many different ways. Some view magic as a supernatural force or power that defies the laws of nature, associating magic with mysterious rituals, spells, and supernatural beings capable of influencing or controlling natural phenomena. The Magic Misfits features a more modern view of magic related to entertainment and illusion. Modern-day magicians are performative and use sleight of hand, misdirection, and theatrical techniques to captivate their audiences, evoking a sense of wonder and astonishment at the illusions they create. This type of magic becomes a prominent motif throughout the narrative and is central to the plot, and the everyday utility of magic is also emphasized by the inclusion of instructions for magic tricks that the reader is encouraged to practice and master.
Though the art of illusion takes center stage in the narrative, magic also represents transformation, creativity, imagination, and the power of belief. The novel’s characters use magic not just as a literal phenomenon to wow a crowd but also as a symbolic expression of their unlimited potential to transcend their various limitations. Carter and his fellow misfits use magic to define their identities, express their unique talents, and embrace their passions. Feats such as escaping from a straitjacket or levitating a bag of money therefore become metaphors for self-expression, and perfecting their tricks is a way for the children to better themselves. In a world filled with challenges, uncertainties, and obstacles, Leila and her friends turn to magic as a source of inspiration and optimism, and Ridley even sees performing as an intellectual pursuit. When the misfits combine their unique magical talents, they are able to defeat the evil machinations of Bosso and his cronies and return the stolen items to the townsfolk. The ability to perform magic therefore represents the characters’ capacity to create a better future and embrace the inherent potential within themselves and others.
The magical performances and illusions featured in the novel serve as metaphors for embracing the magic of the unknown. Having learned magic tricks from an early age, Carter has lost his zeal for mystery and the unexplainable, as the deceptive tricks that Uncle Sly and Bosso perform do not inspire awe and wonder; they only make him sad. Mr. Vernon and the group of friends teach Carter the true joy of performing magic without pretense or dishonesty. Moreover, by offering him friendship and inviting him to join their group, they demonstrate the magical power of kindness and inclusion. When they decide to let the twins join the group, Carter explains, “I think magic is about more than stagecraft […] It’s about happiness. It’s about laughter. It’s about that feeling you get inside” (241). Throughout his journey, the concept of magic evolves for Carter as it transforms into an honest way of life that inspires creativity and offers a chance to make the world a better, happier place. For Carter, magic symbolizes endless possibilities, hope, and the belief in the extraordinary.
Bosso’s Carnival
Circuses and carnivals are often seen as places to escape reality and explore the mysterious, unknown, and forbidden. When Carter steps off the train into Mineral Wells, he walks right into the carnival midway, which is a feast for his deprived senses. The vibrant atmosphere, delicious smells, colorful characters, captivating performances, and exciting games within the carnival evoke a sense of wonder and excitement. Still, for Carter, they remind him of his destitute status, as he cannot fully enjoy the pleasures the carnival offers without money or a way to procure funds. The luxury and gluttony of the carnival midway contrasts with Carter’s life of poverty, displacement, and neglect. However, the carnival also represents the fortuitous collisions of chance, as it is in this setting that he is lucky enough to meet Mr. Vernon. Amid the chaotic midway in a sea of double-dealing and deception stands the peaceful magician performing coin tricks not for money but simply for the crowd’s enjoyment. The moment symbolizes a crucial shift in Carter’s thinking as he sees someone benevolently performing magic for the first time since his father died. This chance meeting with the man who will change his life and save him from falling under Bosso’s spell can only be fully realized amidst the deceptive glamor of the carnival; as Mr. Vernon warns Carter, “Despite the shine of this place […] there are some very dark elements at work here” (50).
Carnivals also serve as backdrops for exploring the clever blurring of illusion and reality. As Carter navigates the intricate sideshow maze of oddities, he perceives Bosso’s hidden agenda, which reminds him of everything he detests about Uncle Sly. This realization sends Carter on a journey of self-discovery as he resolves to perform his tricks solely for the joy of the artistry. When he meets the carnival’s owner, Bosso, the operation symbolizes a chance at a new start. Known for welcoming the outcasts of society, circuses offer a built-in family with employment, housing, and food. Though Carter knows that Bosso’s character is dubious, he can’t help but consider the offer due to his own destitute state. However, since carnivals travel, the offer represents a temporary structure with a nomadic life, which is the opposite of the settled, secure family life that Carter desires. Though the carnival represents a place of acceptance for an outsider like himself, Carter knows it isn’t the right choice for him. Contemplating the offer to join the carnival marks the first significant decision Carter must make alone and symbolizes his conviction to completely part ways with Uncle Sly’s way of doing magic. Later, the carnival games provide a place for the Magic Misfits to observe forms of trickery and practice their skills.
