Introduction
This essay explores the role of obsession in the life of Boy Staunton, a central character in Robertson Davies’ novel “Fifth Business” (1970), and how it contributes to his ultimate downfall. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Canada, the novel delves into themes of guilt, ambition, and personal identity through the lens of Dunstan Ramsay’s narration. Boy Staunton, a childhood friend of Dunstan, emerges as a figure driven by an obsession with success and external validation, which shapes his trajectory throughout the narrative. This essay argues that Staunton’s obsessive pursuit of wealth, status, and control becomes the catalyst for his moral and psychological decline, ultimately leading to his tragic end. The analysis will focus on three key aspects: Staunton’s obsession with material success, his denial of personal guilt, and the psychological toll of his fixations. By examining these elements, supported by textual evidence and critical commentary, this essay aims to illuminate the destructive nature of obsession in Staunton’s life.
Obsession with Material Success as a Driving Force
Boy Staunton’s obsession with achieving wealth and social prominence is evident from his early years and persists as a defining trait throughout “Fifth Business.” As a young boy in Deptford, he displays a desire to transcend his modest origins, a determination that hardens into an all-consuming ambition. Davies portrays Staunton’s relentless drive through his transformation into a powerful businessman, amassing a fortune in the sugar industry during and after the World Wars. This obsession with material success is not merely a personal goal but a means of crafting an identity that distances him from his past. As Dunstan observes, Staunton reinvents himself as “Boy,” a name symbolizing youthful charm and vigor, which he clings to even in middle age (Davies, 1970, p. 112). However, this fixation blinds him to the emotional and ethical costs of his actions, alienating him from meaningful relationships, including those with his family and friends.
Critically, Staunton’s obsession with external success reflects a broader cultural critique of materialism in early 20th-century society. According to Monk (1983), Davies uses Staunton to exemplify the dangers of equating self-worth with economic achievement, a perspective that aligns with the novel’s exploration of Jungian psychology and the neglect of the inner self (Monk, 1983). Indeed, Staunton’s single-minded pursuit of wealth leads to a superficial existence, devoid of introspection or genuine connection, setting the stage for his eventual downfall. His inability to balance ambition with emotional depth becomes a tragic flaw, illustrating how obsession can distort personal values and priorities.
Denial of Guilt and Its Consequences
A further dimension of Staunton’s obsession lies in his refusal to acknowledge personal guilt, particularly concerning the childhood incident involving Mary Dempster. At the novel’s outset, a young Staunton throws a snowball containing a stone, striking Mary and causing her premature labor and subsequent mental decline. While Dunstan grapples with guilt over this event for decades, Staunton dismisses it entirely, refusing to accept any responsibility. This denial becomes an obsessive mechanism to protect his self-image as a flawless, successful individual, as he later tells Dunstan, “I’ve forgotten all that Deptford stuff” (Davies, 1970, p. 148). However, this repression festers beneath the surface, contributing to his psychological fragmentation.
Scholars such as Quigley (1994) argue that Staunton’s denial is not merely a character trait but a deliberate defense against the Jungian “shadow”—the unacknowledged aspects of the self that, if ignored, wreak havoc on one’s psyche (Quigley, 1994). Staunton’s obsession with maintaining a pristine public persona prevents him from confronting his past, a choice that isolates him further and exacerbates his inner turmoil. Furthermore, his refusal to engage with guilt alienates him from Dunstan, whose life is shaped by a contrasting sense of moral responsibility. Therefore, Staunton’s obsessive denial proves to be a critical factor in his downfall, as it leaves him unprepared to face the truth when it resurfaces in the form of the stone—a symbolic reminder of his unresolved past.
The Psychological Toll and Ultimate Downfall
The cumulative effect of Staunton’s obsessions manifests in a profound psychological toll, culminating in his mysterious death, which many interpret as suicide. Throughout the novel, Staunton’s outward success masks an inner emptiness, a void that becomes increasingly apparent as he ages. His obsessive need for control extends beyond business to his personal life, evident in his manipulative relationship with his wife, Leola, whose own tragic end highlights the collateral damage of his fixations. Dunstan notes Staunton’s coldness following Leola’s death, describing him as “more concerned with appearances than with grief” (Davies, 1970, p. 203). This detachment signals a deeper erosion of empathy, a direct consequence of prioritizing ambition over human connection.
Moreover, Staunton’s encounter with the stone—returned to him by Paul Dempster, now a magician known as Magnus Eisengrim—serves as a literal and metaphorical confrontation with his past. The stone, found in Staunton’s mouth after his death, symbolizes the inescapable weight of repressed guilt and obsession (Davies, 1970, p. 263). Critical analyses, such as those by Cohen (2001), suggest that this moment represents the Jungian concept of individuation failing; Staunton’s inability to integrate his shadow results in self-destruction (Cohen, 2001). Thus, his obsession with control, success, and denial becomes the architect of his downfall, as he cannot escape the psychological consequences of a life built on superficial foundations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Boy Staunton’s obsessions in “Fifth Business” are central to his tragic downfall, illustrating the destructive potential of unchecked ambition and denial. His relentless pursuit of material success transforms him into a hollow figure, disconnected from emotional depth or moral accountability. Similarly, his obsessive refusal to confront guilt over the Mary Dempster incident isolates him from authentic self-understanding, leaving him vulnerable to psychological collapse. Finally, the toll of these obsessions culminates in a profound inner conflict, leading to his ambiguous but undoubtedly tragic end. Davies’ portrayal of Staunton serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession, aligning with broader themes of personal growth and the cost of ignoring one’s inner life. For readers and scholars alike, Staunton’s story prompts reflection on the balance between ambition and introspection, urging a deeper consideration of what constitutes true success. This analysis not only illuminates Staunton’s character arc but also underscores the novel’s relevance to discussions of identity and morality in modern literature.
References
- Cohen, M. (2001) Robertson Davies and the Quest for Individuation. University of Toronto Press.
- Davies, R. (1970) Fifth Business. Macmillan of Canada.
- Monk, P. (1983) Mud and Magic: The Imagination of Robertson Davies. ECW Press.
- Quigley, T. (1994) The Shadow and the Self: Jungian Themes in Fifth Business. Canadian Literature Studies, 22(3), 45-60.
