Frank
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Frank, whose second name is unknown, is the English manservant of Dr.Greysteel and has come travelling to wait upon the family. He is exemplary in his faithfulness to his master, as he shows both by his contempt for the tricks of Christopher Drawlight (who attempts to seduce him from his rightful loyalties[59]) and by his accompanying Dr. Greysteel when he goes into the Eternal Darkness to confront the desperate Jonathan Strange[56]. Frank is a person of forthright - and at times when he is very stirred, even intemperate - speech; but he also possesses powers of reflection, and some penetration into character; for though appearances are very much against Strange after he is cursed, Frank argues still for his being innately good: "He comes here to warn us. Which shews he is a good man at heart"[56].
That Dr Greysteel takes Frank into his confidence, discusses family affairs with him and is even willing on occasion to seek his advice shews he reposes as much trust in his servant's native mother-wit as in his fidelity and discretion. Frank's admirable courage too is displayed when, alongside Dr. Greysteel, he confronts Strange in all the horror of his magic and madness within the Eternal Darkness. If the danger of a skilled magician is frightful, that of a skillful and deranged magician must be much worse yet! but still Frank attempts to reassure his master with the bold words "...I shall not let him harm you. I have the measure of him. Do not fear."[56]
The principal parts Frank plays in the story are in helping to persuade Aunt Greysteel that Flora must be got away from Venice as quickly as possible after Strange goes mad[56], and in angrily kicking the traducer Drawlight into the canal[59]. This latter action enables the spell Strange has cast upon the waters of Venice to seize Drawlight at once and bring him safely into the Darkness where the magician awaits him.
That Dr Greysteel takes Frank into his confidence, discusses family affairs with him and is even willing on occasion to seek his advice shews he reposes as much trust in his servant's native mother-wit as in his fidelity and discretion. Frank's admirable courage too is displayed when, alongside Dr. Greysteel, he confronts Strange in all the horror of his magic and madness within the Eternal Darkness. If the danger of a skilled magician is frightful, that of a skillful and deranged magician must be much worse yet! but still Frank attempts to reassure his master with the bold words "...I shall not let him harm you. I have the measure of him. Do not fear."[56]
The principal parts Frank plays in the story are in helping to persuade Aunt Greysteel that Flora must be got away from Venice as quickly as possible after Strange goes mad[56], and in angrily kicking the traducer Drawlight into the canal[59]. This latter action enables the spell Strange has cast upon the waters of Venice to seize Drawlight at once and bring him safely into the Darkness where the magician awaits him.