For Love?

The Magistrate’s actions are still quite ambiguous. It is difficult to interpret the true meaning that lies behind his performance. Even though his actions are vague, a progress can certainly be observed. His feelings for the girl develop gradually. At the beginning of the novel, he views her as a vulnerable girl who would do anything for shelter, care, and food. Hence, he takes advantage of this notion and utilizes her for his sexual needs. If his intentions were any different, then why didn’t he shelter and clothe a young lad?

However, half way in to the novel, specifically during their dreadful trip, he demonstrates his true and evolving feelings towards the girl. Most importantly he reveals the true meaning that lies behind his actions. On page 67 he says “For five hours we huddle behind the piles firewood and the horses while the wind lashes us with snow, ice, rain, sand, grit. We ache with cold to our very bones, the flanks of the horses, turned to the wind, are caked with ice. We press together, man and breast, sharing our warmth, trying to endure.” Why does he endure this crucial weather? His sincere love for the girl pushes him forward to complete his journey and to hand her to the barbarians. He could have simply turned back once he sensed the cold weather approaching. He did not even have to initiate the trip in the first place. Further, this trip caused him his job, self identity, and respect. This idea can be further demonstrated through when he says “In twelve days on the road we have grown closer than in months of living in the same rooms” (page 70). Perhaps, this statement can demonstrate the fact that he was truly happy with the trip and its gains. Even thought he illustrated his true love towards the girl through what he did, I am not sure if he actually accomplished anything.