The Last September
h bowen
Published in 1929 The Last September written by Elizabeth Bowen highlights the difficulties which faced the Irish-Anglo genre. It was one of many novels published in the nineteenth and twentieth century, based on “Big House” life in Ireland. Bowen herself is critical of the Anglo-Irish gentry as she believes that they are responsible for the downfall in the society. The denial of their predicament and also their refusal to except change had caused Bowen to be censorious of them. She expresses her points of symbolism, imagery and characterization using a variety of tactful techniques. In the analysis these factors and techniques will be discussed in greater detail.
“ She was to later describe her writing as ‘verbal paintings’ saying that she was ‘trying to make words do the work of line and colour’.
( Cronin., J, p115, 1900-1940)
The Troubles of the 1920’s were the backdrop of The Last September. The Naylor’s of Daniels town House were aristocratic Heirs to the big house life. They felt it was their duty to keep the bloodlines and to retain the property by means of keeping the property and estate intact.
The opening chapter looks at the anticipated arrival of the Montmorencys. The Naylor family and also the servants and workers had all gathered harmoniously to greet them. Although it becomes clear to the readers that this is all a big façade.
“ Behind the flashing windscreen Mr. and Mrs. Montmorency produced- arms waving and a wild escape to the wind of her mauve motor-veil- an agitation” ( Bowen., E , p7, 1998)
It is later discovered that indeed the Montmorency’s have no house of their own and spend their lives moving from big house to big house in a never ending circle which displays no purpose. The big houses they visit are justified as their existence remains known and they also gain a sort of credibility and send out the message that the hospitality is very much required and indeed is one of the main functions of the Anglo-Irish
Published in 1929 The Last September written by Elizabeth Bowen highlights the difficulties which faced the Irish-Anglo genre. It was one of many novels published in the nineteenth and twentieth century, based on “Big House” life in Ireland. Bowen herself is critical of the Anglo-Irish gentry as she believes that they are responsible for the downfall in the society. The denial of their predicament and also their refusal to except change had caused Bowen to be censorious of them. She expresses her points of symbolism, imagery and characterization using a variety of tactful techniques. In the analysis these factors and techniques will be discussed in greater detail.
“ She was to later describe her writing as ‘verbal paintings’ saying that she was ‘trying to make words do the work of line and colour’.
( Cronin., J, p115, 1900-1940)
The Troubles of the 1920’s were the backdrop of The Last September. The Naylor’s of Daniels town House were aristocratic Heirs to the big house life. They felt it was their duty to keep the bloodlines and to retain the property by means of keeping the property and estate intact.
The opening chapter looks at the anticipated arrival of the Montmorencys. The Naylor family and also the servants and workers had all gathered harmoniously to greet them. Although it becomes clear to the readers that this is all a big façade.
“ Behind the flashing windscreen Mr. and Mrs. Montmorency produced- arms waving and a wild escape to the wind of her mauve motor-veil- an agitation” ( Bowen., E , p7, 1998)
It is later discovered that indeed the Montmorency’s have no house of their own and spend their lives moving from big house to big house in a never ending circle which displays no purpose. The big houses they visit are justified as their existence remains known and they also gain a sort of credibility and send out the message that the hospitality is very much required and indeed is one of the main functions of the Anglo-Irish