Daemons

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews Philip Pullman's novel "The Golden Compass" and examines how he creates a plausible universe containing daemons. Daemons are like an extension of the human soul, and as such they are neither "good" nor "evil," just as no human being is inherently good or evil. It shows how daemons are so powerful in "The Golden Compass" that the notion of separating them from their human counterparts is portrayed as a supremely evil and egotistical act. It analyzes how daemons serve multiple purposes in "The Golden Compass". They provide otherworldly, powerful and inherently loyal companionship for their human and also have a specific metaphysical role, one which corrupts adults like Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel to perform intercision.

From the Paper:

"The daemons in Pullman's world permit people to overcome their fears, as when he tugs Lyra to encourage her to approach Iorek Byrnison, the formidable pasnerbjorne, or armored polar bear. Because Pullman paints the pasnerbjorne as being without daemons, it would seem that only humanoids possess the animal familiar. Iofur Raknison longs to be more human and thus to have his own personal daemon. Perhaps animals don't need familiars because they already embody the metaphysical characteristics of daemons. Whatever the case, daemons sometimes serve as manifestations of human thoughts and emotions or the conscience. Pantailamon frequently converses with Lyra; it is as if she is talking to herself. Daemons permit people to externalize their thoughts and feelings and provide some guidance in moving through the physical world. Humans are also as protective of their daemons as daemons are of their people. "

More papers on Daemons:

• Analytical Essay # 50394 : "The Golden Compass"
• Analytical Essay # 46283 : "Northern Lights"
• Comparison Essay # 44451 : "Steinbeck and Shelley"

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