Student Question
What two tricks did the shopkeeper perform for Gip and his father in H. G. Wells' story?
Quick answer:
In H.G. Wells' "The Magic Shop," the shopkeeper performs two notable tricks for Gip and his father: producing a glass ball from his head and causing the shop door to lock magically, preventing another customer from entering. These tricks astonish both Gip and his father, highlighting the shopkeeper's mystical abilities and the special nature of the shop.
H.G. Wells' short story The Magic Shop tells the story of Gip and his father's strange visit to the eponymous store. Attracted by the items displayed in the window, Gip implores his father to enter so that the two can explore the store's wares. A shopkeeper approaches to offer assistance and begins to demonstrate several tricks, to the amazement of both Gip and his father.
First, he produces a glass ball from his head. The father thinks to himself,
“I had seen the trick done at entertainments endless times before--it's part of the common stock of conjurers-- but I had not expected it here.”
"That's good," I said, with a laugh.
"Isn't it?" said the shop clerk.
When Gip extends his hand to take the ball, the shopkeeper’s hand is empty. After this, the number of magic balls multiple. The shopkeeper then explains to the pair that they were admitted...
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into the store because Gip is the “Right Sort of Boy." To prove his point, another father and son approach the store and find that they cannot enter because the door is locked. The other child is misbehaving and spoiled. It’s no use trying to open the door for them, cautions the counterman. The door will not open for a “ruthless little egotist, pawing at the enchanted pane.”
Gip’s father is astonished at the magic that locks the shop door suddenly for another customer. After that, the clerk shows them the Disappearing Egg, a hat from which birds and other objects magically appear and a Magic Sword, among other tricks. The father, who is the narrator of the story, is amused and amazed at these demonstrations, until finally, the clerk makes Gip disappear.
In alarm, the father demands to know where his son is, but suddenly finds himself outside the store. There, he sees Gip waiting on the sidewalk and is so grateful that his son unharmed, that he wants to kiss the boy. The short story sets a sinister tone that calls to mind the fear that parents have for the safety of their children, particularly with strangers, as well as the fleeting nature of childhood and innocence.