Through Murdoch s cunning third person narrator, we re privy to all of the adults views on love, adultery, jealousy, dream worlds and religion, yet the information is doled out rather enigmatically, as with Luca s initial visits to Hood House. Hence, surprises and minor plot twists spice the narrative. We re in Blaise s thoughts, for example, when he and Harriet initially discuss Magnus Bowles. However, Blaise doesn t immediately reveal that Magnus is fictitious. Harriet is intrigued by Magnus s supposed dreams that frighten him and render him house bound.
Dreams figure predominantly throughout the novel as they plague all of the adults.
Characters have secret dark selves or concerns that emerge through their dreams or fantasies. Blaise and Emily, it is suggested, fantasize about the darker side of sex and are compatible because together they explore these kinky depths. Monty s dark secrets are intricately connected with his mourning and become fully revealed near the end. Edgar s secrets are uncomfortably linked to some oddity with his mother. David s secrets are more typically adolescent and confused in regard to sex and women.