Alex's Wednesday Post

     There is definitely a huge shift between Barnes’s style of writing in comparison to Dostoyevsky’s. I am finding it to be significantly easier to transition into The Sense of an Ending after the rigor of our last book. I have only begun reading the first 40 pages, however, what I have noticed thus far is that this novel follows a more traditional plot line, focusing in on the characters. The narrator seems to express some characteristics that the underground man displayed in NFTU. There has been an interest in philosophy and psychology as well as a need for validation in both novels. The narrator says what some are afraid to admit, such as our dependency on people, our need for validation and desires for love and affection. 

     The characters are very intriguing, specifically Adrian’s character. The clique seems to have a dependency on Adrian and find themselves competing for his approval. It is interesting how back then a broken home was looked down upon, however, the boys take the most interest on the friend who grew up in one- envying him and doubting his indifference towards his situation. The narrator’s emphasis on his character is almost like a foreshadowing that makes me believe something big will occur later on in the novel involving Adrian. 

     I have been enjoying Barnes’s style of writing, particularly the fact that the narrative is being told in first person in the form of a flashback. It is an easier read, but still manages to convey some of the heavy themes that were seen previously in NTFU.