Questions About The Death of the Heart

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Answered Questions (4)

Is this a clean book? What would it be rated as a movie?

Mark What exactly is your definition of "clean?" Seems like a narrow minded question.…moreWhat exactly is your definition of "clean?" Seems like a narrow minded question.(less)

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What period is the book set in?

Bookish Ally Pre WW2, post WW1

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Are all Bowen's books like this? If so I will be able to scratch off a couple on my "to read" list as I won't be reading them.

Seawitch Boo hoo for you.

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Did Anna and Thomas push Porshia and Matchette outm close the door and abandon them or did they mean to have Machette bring Porshia back home?

Laurean I never considered the first possibility. The ending is open -- to do the right thing, as Portia requested. I would think the right thing would be for…moreI never considered the first possibility. The ending is open -- to do the right thing, as Portia requested. I would think the right thing would be for Portia and Matchette, who cared, perhaps loved the child, to return to the house and make the best of it now that Portia has lost her innocence and can now combat the hated superficial Anna. Evidence: Matchette lit Portia's fire in her room before leaving, expecting to return. I dare say, after the year, she went to her maternal aunt's home or back to Mrs. Heccomb. I wouldn't put it pass Anna and Thomas to put Matchette and Portia in an apartment or hotel to carry on but would think that illegal, as Thomas is her legal guardian and Portia is a minor. I'm addition, Anna would not be approved of by society if she abandoned the child with the long-suffering servant. Anna relies on societal approval above all else. All the child wants is a home with someone's love and attention. Will she get it from Anna, Thomas, Matchette, or their snobbish friends?(less)

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Unanswered Questions (2)

Does anyone understand the character of Anna? She is cold, sexless, sneering, purposeless and endlessly subject to "her position n society". I guess she is the book's title. Bowen's writing is unique, clever, cuts to the nerves, and yet I find it so difficult to really understand the powerful influences affecting these characters. Is it possible for anyone in 2018 to get to grips with the pressures and controls of

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Did this writer produce books mainly thought to be for women?

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