Brideshead Revisited
- Author: Evelyn Waugh
- Publisher: Penguin Modern Classics
- Classification: Penguin Modern Classics
Brideshead Revisited is set just before World War II. The narrative itself is split into three main stories, which follow Charles Ryder, the main protagonist, from his University days up to the war. These are sandwiched between the present, with him being in the army.
The first book describes Charles’s experiences at Oxford University, where he meets Sebastian. This sets off a relationship that’s hedonistic, privileged and homoerotic. The second book continues exploring their deepening friendship as they move into adulthood, and further explores the world of privilege and Catholicism that Sebastian lives in, including their ever more complex inter-family relationships.
Sebastian’s continuing decline into alcoholism leads them to travel abroad. Sebastian, in an ever widening search for contentment, and Charles trying to provide support.
The final chapter within this little novel deals with Charles’s life as an adult, marriage, art and adultery. An infidelity that eventually leads to divorce and the wonderful quote below from a conversation between Charles and his father. Waugh also explores unfaithfulness and faith in these final pages.
I can understand a man wishing he hadn’t married and trying to get out of it – though I never felt anything of the kind myself – but to get rid of one wife and take up another immediately, is beyond all reason
The first two of three novels are by far the more interesting and rewarding. The relationship between Charles, Sebastian and his wider family make for great reading and each new revelation actively brings the reader deeper into the story of their lives.
The final part is stooped in too much religious fervour, and plays too deeply on Charles’s agnosticism and the awakening, or at least re-awakening, of his forbidden love’s Catholicism.
Some have levelled criticism on two accounts. Firstly the unexpected homoerotism, and secondly the lack of judgement against Charles’s betrayal of his family. Neither of these points concerned me although as I’ve stated, the overt religious play grated a little.
Rate it
(1 votes)
Loading ...
Your comment…
Fields with a * are required.