The Magic of Morals

          In Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern complex moral issues were presented in an entertaining and somewhat subliminal way. With the aspect time travel and the two worlds of fantasy and reality, the novel presents an action packed narrative. Black and white, night and day, good and evil are the backdrop to show our choices. The name of the circus is Circus des Reves, Circus of Dreams. The name not only refers to the magical world presented in the circus but foreshadows the path the young characters will take to achieve their individual dreams. In a way, the novel instructs young adults to follow their passion to make the most of their futures.

But one of the most important lessons of Night Circus is that no matter how small your actions; what you do affects others. Night Circus revolves around the manipulation and ego of two competitive magicians. Prospero and the man in the grey suit, A.H., pick protégées to enter into a magical contest, where only one will remain alive. They not only trained but tortured the young students, Marco and Celia, both physically and mentally. The amoral treatment of their students is evident. Nevertheless, as young adults, Celia and Marco became better human beings than their “fathers”.

Although the narrative is centered on the two men’s rivalry, it is a coming of age story. Not only do the two manipulated teens rise about their plight, but other young characters in the book follow their dreams. It was planned that either Celia or Marco would be eliminated. Nevertheless, these fierce competitors found each other’s talents impressive and ultimately fell in love. They found that their actions affected the other circus performers as well as the “reveurs”.  They had to come up with a plan that would save the circus. They sacrificed their human form for others. With these characters we see a stark contrast between their selflessness and the selfishness of the magicians.

The story of Baily also reveals it is important to fight for what you want. Initially, we see Baily taking a dare to fit in with his sister and her gang. He snuck into the circus to be a part of a social group. He took a chance and it worked out. The young man continued to be drawn to the circus despite his parent’s objections. His path becomes interwoven with the circus performers. Ultimately, he runs the Cirque des Reves with Poppet. His dream as well as a romance was achieved.

          As the young characters face the trials of growing up, they do not give up despite all the obstacles thrown in their way. Just like the circus, complications in your live will arrive without warning!