The Wonder of Magic and ReligionMythology has been present throughout human civilization to provide a feeling of awe, of wonder and fear. According to The Need for New Myths by Joseph Campbell, a myth offers gratitude or delight to reveal a complete picture of man's universe and his place in the world. In the novel Fifth Business by Robertson Davies, magic and religion bring together human struggles into a myth that is both relevant and awe-inspiring. The feeling of wonder, surprise or fear induces a feeling of insignificance in the face of the immensity of the universe. To adapt to this overwhelming experience, a person undergoes catharsis where their mental patterns are reset. In this release of emotions, we accept our place in the universe and become a better self. Dunstan and Paul rely on religion and magic to repair a traumatized childhood. The reenactment of the Christian legend of Faust in the magical act depicts the eternal struggle of good against evil in humanity. Eisengrim, as an allusion to Jesus, provides wonder and liberation for his audience. In Fifth Business, magic and religion both reconstruct everyday experiences to provide a catharsis of wonder. Dunstan and Paul attempt to escape their stifling past through hagiology and magic. The religious world of Deptford was rigid and one-dimensional. When Dunny developed an interest in magic, he associated the hobby with his mother beating him. When he was enthusiastic about the Saints, Amasa Dempster scolded him. As Dunstan developed a passion for the saints throughout his adult life, he discovered that the world was multidimensional and colorful. Pursuing hagiology, he attempts to unravel and decipher his mentally stifling childhood. When Dunstan first became middle of paper ......m in religious saints, it allows him to break free from the rigidity established by his childhood struggles. Likewise, Paul relies on the mystery and authority of magic to overcome his rigid and powerless past. Goethe's Faust describes how religion interprets the common experience of good versus evil to bring about liberation from insignificance and pity. Eisengrim's magical reenactment presents a different interpretation of this common struggle, one that induces a catharsis of hope. As an allusion to Jesus, Paul uses magic to excite the ordinary lives of his audience and provoke a dark and frightening wonder. In contrast, Jesus is a relatable character who offers a catharsis of love and hope for humanity. The popularity of religion and magic stems from the human need to be impressed. Humanity relies on this catharsis to marvel and accept the universe and man's place in the world...