Fifth Business
The feeling of guilt can only be present in someone who has come to the realization that they, or someone around them, have done something wrong. In the Robertson Davies novel, Fifth Business, the concept of guilt, both for one's self and for others is a major recurring theme. The reader sees this theme grow and materialize through the eyes of Dunstable (Dunstan, Dunny) Ramsay, who is the major character in the novel. Dunny, as Davies implies with the title, fills the role of "fifth business". The definition of which being, "Those roles which, being neither those of Hero nor Heroine, Confidante nor villain, but which were none the less essential to bring about the Recognition or the dénouement were called Fifth Business in drama and opera companies organized according to the old style..." (Overskou, Den Danske Skueplads, taken from Davies, p.v). It is important for readers to understand that Dunny does journey through some of Carol Pearson's heroic archetypes. These include phases labeled: the innocent, the orphan, the martyr, the wanderer, the warrior and the magician (to be discussed later) (taken from http://www.firstuu.com/Sunday_Services/Sermon_Archive/2002/2-17-02.htm, and a collection of personal notes). Dunny never does complete this journey, and thus cannot be deemed a hero, again meeting the criteria of what it means to be "fifth business". It is through this role as "fifth business", that Dunny is able to fulfill his duty and facilitate an epiphany - a recognition of guilt in this instance - within himself, as well as others.
In order to understand how Dunny is able to feel guilt within himself, and also allow for others to feel it, one must first look at his character - that is, his actions, and specifically the growth phases he experiences as Fifth Business chronicles his life from early childhood into retirement. As a child Dunny was raised by strict, Scottish, Presbyterian parents who, early on, instilled what...
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