The final idea that I had after finishing this book was that of how the relationship between Paul Tarrant and Elinor Brooke develops so much throughout the whole book. They start out as almost friends, but not quite. They are more than acquaintances, but not quite friends. When we first meet Elinor in the story, she is descibed by Paul. "He wasn't in the mooh for "the treatment"-- by which he menat the air of intimacy Elinor created between herself and any man she spoke to...No, he wasn't in the mood for Ms. Brooke"(Barker 14). Paul doesn't want to see Elinor, in fact, he sounds annoyed. He doesn't feel like dealing with her and her intimacy. He eventually learns to love her and in fact falls deeply and passionately in love.
Paul goes away to war to be a nurse, leaving Elinor behind. This strains their relationship and the almost fall apart. At one point Elinor says in a latter to Paul "I'm losing you Paul. Or, myself, I don't know." (Barker 283). Elinor can't stand the thought of losing Paul but at the same time she is. It's beyond her control. They love each other, but the distance and the change due to the war is almost to much for them to handle. Their relationship eventually last when Paul has to come home due to an injury. He comes to his senses and asks Elinor to marry him. A far off cry from annoyence.
4 comments:
I think that what you have described illustrates perfectly the saying "don't judge a book by its cover." You don't always get to know the real person when you meet them the first time, sometimes you have to talk to them and get to know them before you really understand who they are. In short, the best policy is to really get to know someone before you decide if you like them or not. You never know, you just might find a friend.
I read this book as well and the connection that they felt towards each other really was captured well in your blog. However, I believe that it was Elinor who proposed to him.
I guess the whole don't judge a book by its cover is a great message, but it and the way you described the story makes it seems a bit cliche. Person thinks he hates someone, it turns out they love them.
What book is that? It seems interesting. It really reminds me of how hardships-- like war or a long journey-- can really enlighten people to what matters most to them in life.
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