I enjoy the ability of an author to "take you away" "Cigars had burned low, and we were beginning to sample the disillusionment that usually affects old school friends who have met again as men and found themselves with less in common than they had believed they had." Cigars burning low denotes a passage of time and celibate gentlemen were not uncommon characters in novels of that era. Three men: an embassy secretaray, an author and a neurologist. But is this style a bit reminiscent of Bronte and Dickens-a book within a book? A story telling device. Another character revealing device used by the author, train rides and plane rides. So I am very much enjoying the "story telling."
But don't you like Hilton's descriptions? He describes the sea as having a "pale, sticky look, like condensed milk." And Miss Brinklow's comment about traversing the sky as the will of God. And Conway's mental comment"the will of God or the lunacy of man" or the will of man or the lunacy of God" at the beginning of Chapter 2.
And Conway was not only an athlete but a pianist. Spoke several languages and was kind (at least to narrator) p. 13 Was a thesbpian. And was likeable. A Rennaisance Man if you will. And apparently, in spite of what Sanders says is "alive". Rutherford gives us a hint into Conway's character by saying he (Conway) was cheerful but lacked personal desire. This is in the prologue before the story begins to unfold. And the narrator asserts that Conway had a " ... peculiar charm, a sort of winsomeness that's pleasant to remember". This guy has charisma!! But who is Rutherford to say that Conway should have been "great". Must we all be ambitious to be honorable. He wasn't an "earth shatterer"; he was a life toucher. Isn't that great? You see, Conway is my hero. He doesn't affect people "on purpose". He just is!
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I absolutely love Hilton's descriptions. He is an excellent writer. And the will of God/lunacy of man comment is my favorite quote in the book so far.
Who is Rutherford to say Conway should have been great? Maybe it is unfair for Rutherford to demand a certain level of achievement/greatness from Conway. However, perhaps Rutherford suffers from being a man with high ambitions he can't quite achieve because he lacks the talents and innate qualities he sees in Conway. No doubt he feels frustrated that those with all the talent don't appreciate it or take advantage of it. And I'm right with the guy. Even I am frustrated at Conway for merely gliding through life in an isolated, unproductive way, instead of living up to his full potential.
Get off Conway's back. Conway should not be motivated by Rutherford's insecurities or inadequacies. Why do others feel it is their job/duty to set our own personal standards. I don't think we "all" have to push the envelope "all" the time to be great. Greatness is in small things too. Maybe Rutherford's mad because now he has to be creative to finish the story Conway started for him.
Did you actually say that Conway is your hero? Do you know that he is fictional? You can choose me as your hero if you like, I have many of the same characteristics, talents and intellect as Conway. Choose me!
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