Literature Help: Enduring Love

By Students' Academy

The novel deeply explores the relationship between Joe and Jed Parry. It also explores the reactions of all the other characters after the tragic accident. Self-awareness in narrative is also explored by the novel.

The power of love, limitations of knowledge, and epistemological doubt are some of the other important themes of the novel.

It is a very gripping story and the reader remains totally absorbed throughout. With each page the eagerness and expectations rise high.There are divided opinions about the structure of the novel. Some critics admire the structure and declare that “Enduring Love” is a ‘pager-turner’ and has a very engrossing plot, but there are others who criticize the combination of a delicate psychological and philosophical investigation with a crude "dime-store" thriller.

Literature Help: Enduring Love
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Plot Overview
Chapter Three: Characters
Chapter Four: Complete Summary
Chapter Five: Critical Analysis

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raja Sharma
• Release date: Aug 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311212153

Students' Academy

Easy study guides for the students of English literature.

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Literature Help: Enduring Love

Students' Academy

Copyright

Literature Help: Enduring Love

Students' Academy

Copyright@2014 Students' Academy

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Chapter One: Introduction

Enduring Love by Ian McEwan was first published in 1997. The book was equally admired by both readers and critics.

The story revolves around the main character Joe Rose. He happens to be a witness to a horrible balloon accident. After that accident he finds it very difficult to maintain his relationship with his girlfriend, Clarissa, and comfortable life.

Jed Parry is another important character in the novel. It transpires that Joe is the object of Jed Parry’s obsession. Jed Parry suffers from de Clerambault’s Syndrome. The person suffering from this ailment thinks that the person whom he loves is also in love with him.

The novel deeply explores the relationship between Joe and Jed Parry. It also explores the reactions of all the other characters after the tragic accident. Self-awareness in narrative is also explored by the novel.

The power of love, limitations of knowledge, and epistemological doubt are some of the other important themes of the novel.

There are divided opinions about the structure of the novel. Some critics admire the structure and declare that Enduring Love is a ‘pager-turner’ and has a very engrossing plot, but there are others who criticize the combination of a delicate psychological and philosophical investigation with a crude dime-store thriller.

For all that, most of the critics admire the beauty of the prose in Enduring Love. The critics have designated a word ‘McEwanesque’ to describe the writing style. There is obvious word economy and clarity of thought.

Chapter Two: Plot Overview

It is a beautiful day. The sky is cloudless. A middle-aged couple appears. They are celebrating their union with a picnic.

It transpires that Joe Rose and his long term partner Clarissa Mellon have been reunited. They are about to open a bottle of wine to celebrate the occasion. Suddenly, their movements are interrupted by a cry.

They see a helium balloon with a ten year old boy in the basket. The boys’ grandfather is being dragged behind it. It transpires that the balloon has been ripped from its moorings.

Joe and several other men rush towards the balloon. They make an effort to bring the balloon down. Unfortunately, during the rescue attempt a man named John Logan loses his life.

Jed Parry is also one of the would-be rescuers. Joe and Jed notice each other. They exchange a passing glance. That glance changes everything in Jed’s existence. It transpires that Jed Parry suffers from de Clerambault’s Syndrome. It is a kind of disorder which causes the patient to believe that someone else is in love with him or her. That is what Jed Parry feels when his eyes meet Joe’s eyes for a brief moment.

It is a very dangerous ailment. Jed begins to enter Joe’s life and causes havoc. Clarissa’s love for Joe is threatened.