Journey to Edgewood's Enigma

Smoky Barnable embarks on a peculiar journey to Edgewood, where he is to marry Daily Alice Drinkwater. The conditions of his travel are unusual: he must walk, not ride, and carry a homemade sandwich. As he traverses the landscape, the urban sprawl gives way to a more rural, mysterious setting. Smoky navigates through towns that seem to exist on the periphery of reality, reflecting his own sense of being on the edge of something unknown. The journey is both physical and symbolic, marking the transition from his old life to a new, enigmatic one.

Smoky and Alice's Fateful Meeting

Smoky recalls the moment he met Daily Alice at a party hosted by George Mouse. Alice, tall and striking, captivates Smoky instantly. Their meeting is filled with laughter and a sense of destiny, as if they were meant to find each other. This encounter sets the stage for their relationship, which is marked by a blend of magic and reality. Smoky's life, previously marked by anonymity and a lack of direction, begins to take on new meaning as he becomes intertwined with Alice and her family's mysterious world.

Anonymity and Family Secrets

Smoky's background is one of anonymity, shaped by a father who was more of a shadow than a presence. His father, a man of education but little conversation, left Smoky with a legacy of obscurity. Smoky's mother, who left when he was young, is the only relative he can vividly remember. This anonymity is both a curse and a shield, allowing Smoky to drift through life unnoticed. However, his relationship with Alice and her family begins to unravel the layers of his past, revealing secrets and connections he never anticipated.

The Mysterious House of Edgewood

Edgewood, the house Smoky is to call home, is a place of architectural wonder and mystery. Designed by Alice's great-grandfather, John Drinkwater, it is a house of many faces, each side offering a different style and story. The house is a physical manifestation of the family's history and secrets, a place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. As Smoky explores Edgewood, he becomes aware of its role as a gateway to other worlds, a central theme in the family's lore.

A Wedding Amidst Whispers

The wedding of Smoky and Daily Alice is a blend of tradition and enchantment. Held on the grounds of Edgewood, it is attended by a host of mysterious guests, some of whom seem to belong to another realm. The ceremony is filled with symbols and rituals that hint at the deeper connections between the Drinkwater family and the mystical world they inhabit. Smoky, though bewildered by the events, is drawn into the magic of the moment, solidifying his place in this new, strange life.

The Enchanted Woods Encounter

During a walk in the woods, Smoky becomes separated from Alice and stumbles upon a fantastical house inhabited by the Woods family. This encounter is surreal, with the Woods offering Smoky gifts that seem both real and symbolic. The experience leaves Smoky with a sense of having crossed into another world, one where the rules of reality are suspended. This meeting underscores the theme of otherworldly connections that permeate the Drinkwater family's existence.

A New Life Begins

As Smoky settles into life at Edgewood, he begins to understand the complexities of the Drinkwater family and their connection to the mystical. His role as a teacher in the local school and his interactions with the family reveal the layers of history and magic that define their lives. Smoky's journey from anonymity to belonging is marked by his acceptance of the strange and wondrous, as he embraces the new life that Edgewood offers.

Lilac's Enchanted Journey Begins

Lilac, a child of mystery, is raised by Mrs. Underhill in a world filled with enchantment and wonder. Her upbringing is unique, surrounded by magical creatures and lessons from nature. As she grows, Lilac is prepared for a significant journey, one that involves understanding her place in a larger tale. Mrs. Underhill, a wise and ancient figure, guides her through this mystical education, emphasizing the importance of sleep and dreams. Lilac's journey is both a literal and metaphorical passage into a world where she must learn to navigate the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

Auberon's City Adventure Unfolds

Auberon Barnable leaves the familiar confines of Edgewood to seek his fortune in the bustling City. His journey is marked by encounters with eccentric characters and the challenges of urban life. Auberon navigates the complexities of his new environment, grappling with the expectations of his family and the mysteries of his past. As he settles into Old Law Farm, a peculiar community within the City, Auberon begins to understand the intricacies of his family's legacy and the role he is destined to play in the unfolding tale.

Sylvie's Destiny and Dreams

Sylvie, a vibrant and enigmatic young woman, shares her life with Auberon at Old Law Farm. Her past is marked by a prophecy of a grand destiny, one that she struggles to comprehend and fulfill. As she navigates her relationship with Auberon, Sylvie grapples with her identity and the expectations placed upon her. Her dreams and aspirations are intertwined with the mystical elements of the world around her, leading her to question the nature of her destiny and the choices she must make.

The Art of Memory Revealed

Ariel Hawksquill, a powerful mage, employs the ancient Art of Memory to unravel the mysteries surrounding Russell Eigenblick and the enigmatic cards. Her mental prowess allows her to construct a vast memory mansion, where she stores and analyzes the intricate details of her investigations. As she delves deeper into the secrets of the cards and their connection to the unfolding events, Hawksquill's insights reveal the interconnectedness of the characters' lives and the larger narrative at play.

Secrets of Edgewood's Past

The history of Edgewood is rich with secrets and mystical connections. As the characters explore their past, they uncover the hidden truths that bind them to the magical world. The house itself is a gateway to other realms, a place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. The legacy of the Drinkwater family and their connection to the mystical world is central to the unfolding tale, revealing the intricate web of relationships and destinies that define their lives.

A Family's Mystical Connections

The Drinkwater family is deeply entwined with the mystical elements of their world. Their connections to the magical realm are revealed through the characters' interactions and the unfolding events. As the family navigates the challenges of their legacy, they must come to terms with their roles in the larger narrative. The mystical connections that define their existence are both a source of strength and a burden, shaping their destinies and the future of their world.

Smoky's Revelation and Reluctance

Smoky Barnable grapples with the realization that he is not part of the mystical journey his family is about to embark on. Despite the house's newfound vitality, powered by the orrery, Smoky feels a deep reluctance to leave. He is haunted by the absence of Daily Alice and the fear of losing everything familiar. As the family prepares to depart, Smoky is torn between staying behind to maintain the house and joining them on their mysterious journey. Ultimately, he is persuaded by the return of his daughter, Lilac, who embodies the magic and mystery of the world they are about to enter. Smoky's internal struggle highlights the tension between the known and the unknown, the comfort of the past, and the allure of a new beginning.

The Tale's End and New Beginnings

As the family departs, the house at Edgewood is left behind, its lights slowly extinguishing. The Tale, which has guided their lives, reaches its conclusion, but not without leaving a legacy of stories and memories. The family's journey marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, as they step into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. The Tale's end is not a finality but a continuation, as the characters embrace the unknown and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

Characters

Smoky Barnable

Smoky Barnable is a young man whose life has been marked by anonymity and a lack of direction. His journey to Edgewood to marry Daily Alice Drinkwater is both a literal and metaphorical quest for identity and belonging. Smoky's character is defined by his curiosity and willingness to embrace the unknown, as he becomes entwined with the mystical world of the Drinkwater family.

Daily Alice Drinkwater

Daily Alice is a tall, enigmatic woman who captivates Smoky with her presence. She is deeply connected to the mystical aspects of her family's history and serves as a bridge between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Alice's character is marked by her acceptance of the magical and her role in guiding Smoky into the world of Edgewood.

Auberon Barnable

Auberon is a young man who leaves the familiar confines of Edgewood to seek his fortune in the City. His journey is marked by encounters with eccentric characters and the challenges of urban life. Auberon's character is defined by his quest for identity and his struggle to understand his family's legacy. As he settles into Old Law Farm, he begins to unravel the mysteries of his past and his role in the unfolding tale.

Sylvie

Sylvie is a young woman living at Old Law Farm, sharing her life with Auberon. Her past is marked by a prophecy of a grand destiny, one that she struggles to comprehend and fulfill. Sylvie's character is defined by her search for purpose and her relationship with Auberon. Her dreams and aspirations are intertwined with the mystical elements of the world around her, leading her to question the nature of her destiny.

Lilac

Lilac is a young girl raised in an enchanted world by Mrs. Underhill. Her upbringing is filled with wonder and lessons from nature, preparing her for a significant journey. Lilac's character is marked by her curiosity and her connection to the mystical elements of her world. As she grows, she must navigate the boundaries between reality and fantasy, discovering her place in the larger tale.

Ariel Hawksquill

Ariel Hawksquill is a powerful mage who employs the ancient Art of Memory to unravel the mysteries surrounding Russell Eigenblick and the enigmatic cards. Her character is defined by her mental prowess and her ability to construct a vast memory mansion. As she delves deeper into the secrets of the cards, Hawksquill's insights reveal the interconnectedness of the characters' lives and the larger narrative at play.

George Mouse

George Mouse is a member of the Drinkwater family by marriage and a catalyst for the events that unfold. His character is marked by his humor and charm, providing a link between the past and the present. As the story unfolds, George's character reveals the intricate web of relationships and destinies that define the family's existence.

Mrs. Underhill

Mrs. Underhill is a powerful and ancient figure who raises Lilac in a world of enchantment. Her character is marked by her wisdom and her deep connection to the mystical elements of the world. As Lilac's guide, Mrs. Underhill plays a crucial role in preparing her for her journey and helping her navigate the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

Russell Eigenblick

Russell Eigenblick is revealed to be the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, awakened to rule over a new age. His character is marked by a struggle to understand his place in the modern world and the forces that seek to manipulate him. Eigenblick's journey explores themes of power and destiny.

Sophie Drinkwater

Sophie is a woman who navigates the complexities of her family's mystical heritage. Her character is defined by her search for answers and her connection to the cards. As she delves deeper into the secrets of her past, Sophie uncovers the hidden truths that bind her to the magical world and the larger narrative.

Plot Devices

The Journey to Edgewood

Smoky's journey to Edgewood is a key plot device that symbolizes his transition from anonymity to belonging. The conditions of his travel, walking and carrying a homemade sandwich, reflect the themes of simplicity and transformation. This journey sets the stage for the events that follow, marking the beginning of Smoky's new life.

The House of Edgewood

Edgewood, the house designed by John Drinkwater, serves as a central plot device in the story. Its architectural complexity and mystical connections make it a gateway to other worlds, embodying the family's history and secrets. The house is a character in its own right, influencing the lives of those who inhabit it.

The Art of Memory

The Art of Memory is a plot device that allows Ariel Hawksquill to unravel the mysteries surrounding Russell Eigenblick and the enigmatic cards. This ancient practice enables her to construct a vast memory mansion, where she stores and analyzes the intricate details of her investigations. The Art of Memory reveals the interconnectedness of the characters' lives and the larger narrative at play.

The Cards

The cards are a plot device that provides insight into the characters' destinies and their connection to the mystical world. They serve as a tool for predicting events and understanding the complexities of the Drinkwater legacy. The cards symbolize the blend of magic and reality that defines the family's existence and the unfolding tale.

The Banquet

The Banquet is a plot device that symbolizes the fulfillment of the characters' destinies and their connection to the larger narrative. It represents a place of gathering and celebration, where the characters come together to embrace their roles in the unfolding tale. The Banquet underscores the themes of connection and destiny that permeate the story.

Analysis

"Little, Big" by John Crowley is a rich tapestry of magic, identity, and belonging, woven through the lives of the Drinkwater and Barnable families. The novel explores the boundaries between reality and fantasy, as characters navigate their mystical heritage and the complexities of their destinies. Through the use of symbolic plot devices such as the journey to Edgewood, the house itself, and the mystical cards, Crowley delves into themes of transformation, self-discovery, and the interconnectedness of all things. The story is a meditation on the nature of family, love, and the enduring power of stories, inviting readers to embrace the unknown and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

Last updated: March 26, 2025