Quarter 3 post 3

Following my previous reading, the author, Par Barker, ahs chosen to focus on the life of Elinor Brookes. She is a minor character but just recently become a bigger part of Paul’s life after the departure of Teresa. The Romeo, Neville has also become a focus in the coming chapters. Setting the stage at Elinor’s house we begin to see new developments in the characters. Paul has become more outspoken and full of fantastical ideas; much different from the shy, precocious Paul we were introduced to. As WWI begins Paul feels the need to join with the forces. We are also introduced to Neville’s strong affections for Elinor as he becomes increasingly jealous of Paul. Neville shows his jealousy: “he was too afraid of being packed off to bed, leaving Elinor and Tarrant together” (122).  Elinor, however, did not fell the same way: “ Elinor had avoided being alone with him ever since he’d sent that letter three weeks ago suggesting marriage” (113). Refusing Neville and Paul, Elinor is becoming a stronger and independent character to look at. Although she may appear grown-up and able to carry her self, Elinor is also very childish. Moving further into the novel, Barker shifts reading styles once more into letters. The exchange is between Pail and Elinor, talking about the struggle of enlisting for war. While receiving news he can’t join the army the MO told Paul: “ The best thing I could do to serve my country was joint eh German army and cough a lot” (142). This book is great because it brings up a large assortment of themes. The theme most expressed through this book is mostly gender as well as race based. WE are continuously exposed to the obstacles of a women, German and ill characters. Elinor for example is a woman and therefore cannot divorce her husband without a “reasonable reason.” Paul can not apply for the army because he is ill, and a German cannot stay in a hotel because he is German. Barker has done a great job of capturing the ear in which these characters are living!