First Post - Wednesday

        Though simple and straightforward compared to other books we’ve read this year, The Sense of an Ending is nonetheless packed with analysis of the individual and society. Maybe it is because we just finished analyzing NFTU, but the narrative approach this book takes reminds me of Dostoyevsky’s –from the start, we understand that the events in the novel are from the perspectives of narrator and we thus have a filter on perceiving things the way the narrative frames it in his or her mind. Other ideas we examined thoroughly in class also popped up, such as the compelling idea of waiting for one’s life to start, or perhaps the effects of the three pillars of society. Tony and his friends constantly feel repressed by their parents and societal traditions; they dislike school and are treated dismissively by adults, as if they are too young to understand real life. There is also the idea of clarity present; coming off as innocent and curious, Tony and his friends converse about Robson’s suicide in an uncomplicated, casual and simple manner. 

        I’m greatly intrigued by the dynamics of the relationships between Tony, his two best friends, and Adrian. The latter strikes me as so composed and mature he does not need Tony and his friends, which is why reading about their interactions are all the more interesting. The three idolize Adrian even while knowing he doesn’t particularly care for them; it’s apparent that they believe hanging onto his every action and being near him makes themselves look better as well. At the last part I’ve read up to, Tony and his two friends have grown up, but this admiration for Adrian remains; they’ve drifted from one another, but each remain in close individual contact with Adrian, who could care less for them.