Genre
Novel
Setting and Context
Set in London, UK between 1660 and 1670 in the context of magical realism
Narrator and Point of View
A first-person narrative is written from Merivel’s perspective.
Tone and Mood
Optimistic, hopeful, determined and ambitious
Protagonist and Antagonist
The central character of the novel is Robert Merivel.
Major Conflict
The main conflict is that Merivel is obsessed with getting wealth, but when the opportunity comes, he messes up by trying to force Celia to have sex with him when he gets drunk.
Climax
The climax comes when Merivel and Katharine relocate to London, and the harsh reality dawns on him that he is still poor after losing opportunities that could have made him wealthy.
Foreshadowing
The anticipated fortune that could have made Merivel wealthy is foreshadowed by his ability to heal one of the dogs belonging to King Charles II.
Understatement
King Charles II humaneness is understated. The King offered Merivel Bidnold Estate and arranged for him to marry Celia. Unfortunately, Merivels spoilt everything, forcing the King to repossess his estate.
Allusions
The story alludes to how people lose opportunities to achieve their objectives.
Imagery
The imagery of marriage is clear throughout the text, and it aids readers to comprehend that the King does not respect the institution of marriage. For instance, the King forces Robert to marry Celia to hide his illicit affair.
Paradox
The main paradox is that Marvel and Celia are married, but when he tries to have sex with her, the King repossess everything he has given to him because he also has a sexual interest in Celia.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
Mistress is used as a metonymy for as side woman lover in married couples.
Personification
N/A
