Magnificent Obsession (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)

At a glance:

Characters Discussed

Dr. Wayne Hudson, an eminent brain surgeon who dies from drowning when the inhalator that might have saved his life is used to resuscitate a wealthy playboy. Somewhat of a mystic, the doctor is a generous philanthropist, but he hides his good deeds; he thinks his great ability as a surgeon is a gift that comes from doing unknown good for other people.

Joyce Hudson, the doctor’s daughter.

Helen Brent Hudson, Joyce Hudson’s school friend who becomes Dr. Hudson’s second wife. After she is a widow, Robert Merrick makes her the recipient of some of his philanthropy and then falls in love with her. In Rome, her life is saved after a train wreck by Dr. Merrick, who keeps his identity a secret. She discovers at last that she loves Merrick, and the two are to be married.

Nancy Ashford, superintendent of the Hudson Clinic. She has been in love with Dr. Hudson. She tells Robert Merrick he ought to try to take Dr. Hudson’s place.

Robert Merrick, a rich playboy who becomes a doctor in order to take the place of Dr. Hudson, a famous brain surgeon whose life is lost when an inhalator is used for young Merrick. Merrick tries the doctor’s theory of philanthropy, deriving power from hidden good deeds. He finds that it is indeed a secret to a successful life, and thus Merrick succeeds in becoming a famous brain surgeon himself. He marries Dr. Hudson’s widow.

Dawson, a fellow medical student aided financially by Merrick so that the young man can finish medical school. This philanthropic act inspires Merrick and convinces him that he can follow in Dr. Hudson’s footsteps.

Bibliography:

Bode, Carl. “Lloyd Douglas—Loud Voice in the Wilderness.” American Quarterly 2 (Winter, 1950): 340-352. Argues that “to know Douglas’ novels is to understand our country at least a little better.”

Bode, Carl. “Lloyd Douglas and America’s Largest Parish.” Religion in Life 19 (Summer, 1950): 440-447. A professor of English at the University of Maryland concludes that Douglas is important not for his literary contributions but rather for his linking relationship to the American literary and religious scenes.

Dawson, Virginia, and Betty Wilson. The Shape of Sunday. London: Peter Davies, 1953. This “intimate biography” of Lloyd Douglas by his daughters gives many anecdotes of his life. Gives the personal background to the writing and reception of Magnificent Obsession.

Kunitz, Stanley, ed. Twentieth Century Authors. First Supplement. New York: H. W. Wilson, 1955. Basic information about Douglas in a literary dictionary.

Von Gelder, Robert. Writers and Writing. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1946. The prolific book reviewer reprints his interview with Douglas about the writing and about the impact of Magnificent Obsession.