The Secret Commonwealth

Introduction

The Secret Commonwealth is the second volume in Philip Pullman’s planned trilogy, The Book of Dust, which is an expansion of his acclaimed His Dark Materials series. Published in 2019, this fantasy novel continues the intricate and immersive world that Pullman has meticulously crafted over the years.

Philip Pullman, the renowned author of His Dark Materials, is the sole creative force behind The Secret Commonwealth. Unlike some of his other works, this book does not draw direct inspiration from authors like C.S. Lewis or Ursula K. Le Guin, but rather builds upon the rich universe he established in his previous novels. The initial release of The Secret Commonwealth was highly anticipated, given the success and devoted fan base of the His Dark Materials series.

What sets The Secret Commonwealth apart is its complex exploration of themes such as rationality, imagination, and the struggle against oppressive authority, all within a world where humans’ souls manifest as physical entities known as “dæmons.” This unique blend of fantasy and philosophical inquiry has solidified Pullman’s position as a master of the genre.

Plot Summary

The Secret Commonwealth is set approximately twenty years after the events of La Belle Sauvage and ten years after the conclusion of the His Dark Materials trilogy. Lyra Silvertongue, now an adult, is a student at St Sophia’s College, Oxford, but still resides at Jordan College. The story begins with Lyra’s increasing fascination with the works of philosophers Simon Talbot and novelist Gottfried Brande, who advocate for pure reason and dismiss the existence of dæmons as delusions. This newfound interest causes a rift between Lyra and her dæmon, Pantalaimon, who disapproves of these ideologies ^[1][3].

The plot takes a dramatic turn when Pantalaimon witnesses a murder, leading Lyra to discover a rucksack containing a journal and notebook belonging to Dr. Strauss, a botanist studying a commercially important rose whose oil is connected to Dust. Dust, a central element in Pullman’s universe, is a substance that can reveal hidden truths when observed under the influence of the rose oil. The Magisterium, an international theocracy that suppresses heresy, is keen to control this industry, leading to a series of dangerous events and journeys for Lyra and her allies ^[1][3].

Lyra’s journey takes her across Europe and the East, aided by her old friends the gyptians and supporters of Oakley Street. She adopts various disguises and faces numerous challenges, including a sexual assault by soldiers and encounters with agents of the Magisterium. Meanwhile, Malcolm Polstead, Lyra’s rescuer from her childhood, is dispatched by Oakley Street to travel to Karamakan, a desert region central to the rose industry, where he uncovers the involvement of pharmaceutical companies in funding the “men from the mountains” who are attacking rose-growers’ estates ^[1][5].

The narrative is marked by Lyra’s separation from Pantalaimon, who sets out to find her lost imagination, and her desperate quest to reunite with him. This journey leads her to the Blue Hotel, a place inhabited by separated dæmons, where she meets a young refugee named Nur Huda el-Wahabi. The novel concludes with Lyra and her companions on the brink of a significant discovery, setting the stage for the next installment in the trilogy ^[1][2].

Themes and Symbolism

The Secret Commonwealth delves into several profound themes that are characteristic of Pullman’s work. One of the central themes is the tension between rationality and imagination. Lyra’s adoption of rationalist philosophies leads to a crisis in her relationship with Pantalaimon and her own sense of identity. This conflict highlights the importance of balancing reason with emotional and intuitive understanding ^[1][3].

The novel also explores the theme of power and control, particularly through the Magisterium’s oppressive regime. The Magisterium’s efforts to suppress heresy and control the rose oil industry serve as a metaphor for the dangers of authoritarianism and the suppression of knowledge. The character of Marcel Delamare, Lyra’s uncle and a Magisterium cardinal, exemplifies the ambition and ruthlessness that can accompany the pursuit of power ^[1][5].

Symbolism plays a crucial role in the narrative, with the dæmons serving as symbols of the human soul and the connections between individuals. The alethiometer, a truth-telling symbol reader, is another significant symbol that represents the quest for knowledge and truth. The rose oil, which allows people to see Dust, symbolizes the revelation of hidden truths and the power of knowledge ^[1][3].

Cultural Impact

The Secret Commonwealth has had a significant cultural impact since its release. The book was highly anticipated by fans of the His Dark Materials series and received widespread media attention. The novel’s exploration of contemporary themes such as refugees, insurgents, and the influence of pharmaceutical companies resonated with readers and critics alike ^[3].

The book’s influence extends beyond the literary world; it has contributed to ongoing discussions about the role of imagination, the dangers of authoritarianism, and the importance of individual freedom. The novel’s complex characters and intricate plot have also inspired fan art, fan fiction, and other creative works.

Critical Reception

The Secret Commonwealth received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. Some praised the novel for its rich world-building, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Others felt that the book did not provide a tidy conclusion, leaving many plot threads unresolved, which was seen as a departure from the more structured endings of Pullman’s previous works ^[2][4].

Critics also noted the heavy focus on character development, particularly the evolution of Lyra and Pantalaimon’s relationship, which some found engaging but others saw as slow-paced. The novel’s handling of sensitive topics such as sexual assault and the separation of humans from their dæmons was generally praised for its sensitivity and realism ^[1][2].

Legacy

The Secret Commonwealth continues to be a significant work in the fantasy genre, contributing to the enduring legacy of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series. The novel’s exploration of complex themes and its expansion of the series’ universe have solidified Pullman’s reputation as a master storyteller.

The book’s influence can be seen in its impact on young adult literature, encouraging authors to explore deeper, more philosophical themes in their works. The series as a whole has inspired adaptations, including a successful television series, further cementing its place in popular culture.

In conclusion, The Secret Commonwealth is a pivotal work in the Book of Dust trilogy, offering a rich and complex narrative that expands the universe of His Dark Materials. Its themes of rationality, imagination, and the struggle against oppression continue to resonate with readers, ensuring its enduring relevance in the literary world.