Fifth Business Summary & Key Insights

Robertson Davies's Fifth Business unfolds as a complex tapestry of interwoven narratives, exploring themes of guilt, innocence, fate, and the nature of identity. The story is primarily told through the retrospective narration of Dunstan Ramsay, a seemingly ordinary man who considers himself a “fifth business” – a minor character in the larger dramas of others’ lives.

The novel begins with Dunstan's childhood in Deptford, Ontario, where a pivotal event shapes his entire existence. During a snowball fight, a snowball thrown by Percy Boyd Staunton accidentally blinds Liesl, a young woman. This act, though unintentional, deeply affects all involved. Dunstan, however, becomes inextricably linked to the event because he inadvertently threw the snowball that struck Staunton, who then threw the fateful snowball that blinded Liesl. This accident initiates a life-long connection between Dunstan and Staunton, shaping their destinies in profoundly different ways.

Staunton, driven by ambition and a desire for power, becomes a successful but morally ambiguous public figure, a renowned magician and eventually a charismatic bishop. He embodies the archetype of the “hero,” though his heroism is questionable due to his self-serving nature and his inability to fully confront the consequences of his actions. His life is marked by ambition and the exploration of power's seductive allure.

Dunstan, in contrast, chooses a life of quiet service. He becomes a teacher and later develops a deep connection to the spiritual world, eventually embracing a life dedicated to understanding the complexities of human experience. He remains deeply affected by the snowball incident, becoming preoccupied with the concept of guilt and the pervasive influence of chance.

The novel explores the intertwined lives of these two men, tracing their individual paths and their complicated relationship. It also introduces other significant characters, including Boy Staunton's wife, Leola, and Dunstan's longtime friend, Magnus Eisengrim, a powerful and enigmatic puppeteer whose life is strangely parallel to Dunstan's. These characters contribute to the overarching theme of how our lives are shaped by chance encounters and seemingly insignificant events.

Throughout the novel, Davies subtly intertwines themes of religion, mythology, and the psychological impact of guilt and responsibility. Dunstan’s journey becomes one of self-discovery, as he grapples with his sense of guilt and his role in the events of his life. He ultimately accepts that he is a "fifth business," a necessary yet unacknowledged participant in the grand narratives of others. The novel ultimately suggests that there is a profound interconnectedness to human existence and that seemingly minor actions can have unpredictable and far-reaching consequences. It leaves the reader contemplating the complexities of fate, free will, and the subtle forces that shape our destinies.