Key Events Flashcards
(4 cards)
The Fountain Scene
The library scene
page 135
“her arms were looped around his head” “contact of tongues”
“muscle, moist flesh on flesh” - graphic sensual imagery.
‘pushed’, ‘plucking’, ‘gnawing’, ‘bit’, ‘pulled’, ‘forcing’ - Violent, animalistic, dynamic verbs - evocative description. Memories of it must sustain the lover through the tragic events to follow.
page 137
“The closeness of a familiar face was not ludicrous, it was wondrous”
While the diners eat, Robbie recollects the interval in the library with Cecilia. He recalls very precisely, with evocative description, exactly how he felt, what her body was like and what they did, The level of detail is surprising, even shocking, in its intimacy. The episode of passion is given extended treatment as it is to be the only one they can enjoy, and memories of it must sustain both the lovers through Robbie’s imprisonment and the war. We need this level of detail in order to understand what it is that Robbie recreates in Part Two of the novel. Cecilia’s monosyllabic responses build tension.
important moment for R+C - hence length of chapter and amount of detail and it’s important to note that this is consensual and the atmosphere is largely intimate and sensual
Paul and Lola’s wedding
The first sign of Marshall and Lola’s presence is the“polished black Rolls-Royce”, a symbol of wealth and status, outside the church.
Marshall and Lola hold a“private ceremony”in a church which was“almost empty”with“no society journalists”present (p323). They clearly do not want publicity for their marriage, a sign that they may have something to hide.
The mention of“sin”and“fornication”during the wedding ceremony creates irony.
“…until then the truth that only Marshall and his bride knew at first hand, was steadily being walled up within the mausoleam of their marriage… Every word in the ceremony was another brick in place.” (325)
The metaphor of a“mausoleum”is used to describe their marriage, the association with death creating an inauspicious start to their married life.
The imagery of their secret shame being“bricked up”creates a sense of injustice and helplessness, with Robbie condemned to pay for a crime that he did not commit.
Juxtaposition between Lola and Marshall: She was “heavily veiled” “her hair was gathered into a childish plait…” “Marshall stood erect, the lines of his padded morning-suit shoulders etched sharply against the vicar’s surplice.” (324)
“She was sweet and sure, while Marshall boomed, as though in defiance (325)
There is a clear power imbalance and Lola is still somewhat portrayed a victim creating Ambiguity when briony reveals “Nor did the bride appear to be a victim”
