2016: A Dance to the Music of Time discussion
1st Movement
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Widmerpool
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I'm intrigued about why he is given so much space in this first novel. I suppose I must be patient and wait for further developments to make his role clearer.
Does anyone else find his frequent mentioning of his mother and her importance in his life (in the France chapter) a little strange?
Well I don't want to give anything away but I will say he does crop up repeatedly throughout the 12 novels and is, for me, the star of the show.Kenneth Widmerpool is also one of the most memorable characters I have ever encountered in fiction.
Whilst narrator Nick, along with many of the characters, represents musicians, poets, novelists, painters etc., Widmerpool is their opposite.
I wondered to what extent he might represent the triumph of commerce and bureaucracy, over more aesthetic considerations, that appears to be one of the main aspects of twentieth century history. But that's probably a discussion for another day, so I'll leave it hanging for now, but please keep it in mind as you work through the series and if you fancy coming back to it later I'd love to read your thoughts.
Nigeyb wrote: "Kenneth Widmerpool is also one of the most memorable characters I have ever encountered in fiction. ..."Is he based on a particular person, do you know?
I think this is something I'm going to have to look into later as I keep seeing references to various people with the comment that Anthony Powell based one of his characters on them!
^ Widely believed to have been based upon Sir Reginald Manningham-Buller
I can completely envision him representing bureaucracy when he grows up!
Nigeyb wrote: "^ Widely believed to have been based upon Sir Reginald Manningham-Buller"How interesting - thanks Nigeyb. I wonder what individuals thought about having a character in a novel based upon themselves at that time. Was it widely known and discussed do you think?
^ I'm sorry I can't help you there - it's an interesting question, so if anyone else knows....
Now we're into the second book (Buyer's) and Widmerpool makes another appearance. I just finished chapter two and several things strike me. 1) He's still mentioning his mother with frequency, so that's not just because he was an awkward teen.
2) His narcissism seems a character trait and not just an aspect of his age.
3) He and Nick are "in love" with the same girl (Barbara Goring).
4) He has lost the rest of my sympathy from his early school days. Although, Barbara and the sugar elicit no humor at his expense either.
5) I'm confused by his status. Does he show more social grace to some than we see because he doesn't show much to Nick?
6) I'm wondering if he might become dangerous later in the novel.
All good points, Renee. His narcissism knows no bounds. He relates anything said by another person only to himself.
Although all of these points seem valid about Widmerpool we have to keep in mind the reliability of Nick as a narrator. His own opinions of Widmerpool certainly show this, but they are only his views.
Janet wrote: "Although all of these points seem valid about Widmerpool we have to keep in mind the reliability of Nick as a narrator. His own opinions of Widmerpool certainly show this, but they are only his views."And Nick does notice that at least Truscott, Stringham and their boss must see something in Widmerpool that Nick doesn't see.
By the end of A Buyer's Market Widmerpool seems to be extremely focused on getting ahead in his career. He says to Nick, "No woman who takes my mind off my work is ever to play a part in my life in the future." He also advises Nick to avoid Deacon's friends, the bohemian group of artists and writers. It left me wondering what directions Nick and Widmerpool will be taking in the third book.
I agree, Widmerpool ' s first appearance in each novel is a surprise, even when you are expecting him.
In the first chapters, I he was described as an outcast of sorts. On the fringe of social acceptance. Things that stand out to me are the overcoat and how it becomes part of his persona long after it exists. His commitment to running. The scene where he gets hit unintentionally and then acts as if exceptionally gratified by the apology which followed. I find him rather heartbreaking.
Yet, in France, he seems rather officious. Definitely annoying. Fascinating in his obsession with class and money. And then there's the comment from Jenkins the narrator about how his younger self doesn't see Widmerpool's actions with the tennis players as a bid for power.
So I hope it's alright to start a separate thread About him to see what others think. I have the suspicion that he will be a character who shows up again. I have to wonder in what ways he is useful to reflecting aspects of Jenkins' growing understanding of the world.
How does he strike the rest of you?