Pages 76- 101
This section of the book is mostly about Robbie and him writing an apology note to Cecilia, while McEwan is describing Robbie from the things in his room and on his desk. There is a big allusion in the book from a play by Shakespeare. On page 27 it states, "As the outer reaches of the desk, various photographs; the cast of Twelfth Night on the college lawn, himself as Malvolio, cross gartered. How apt." I wasn’t familiar with the play so I googled it and found a summary on the “Twelfth Night” After reading the summary there is a lot that is in common with Malvolio and Robbie. Both are of lower rank than their beloved, are stewards or a son of a steward, and desire to be above their rank. Malvolio at the end of the play is seen as a villain and suffers from the people around him. Malvolio is seen as a tragic hero. I wonder if this is a foreshadow to what will happen to Robbie in this book?
Solid gold. I am VERY impressed that you went the extra mile and researched Malvolio. He is sometimes portrayed as a sinister lecher, but also a tragic hero. I support your theory, although I won't tell you if it's right or wrong. Why make such a strong comparison if it's not a clue?
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