The Death of the Heart (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Elizabeth Bowen
- First Published: 1938
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Psychological realism
- Time of Work: After World War I
- Setting: London and Seale, England
- Genres: Long fiction, Psychological fiction, Bildungsroman, Domestic realism
- Subjects: Maturation or coming of age, Family or family life, Class conflict, Adolescence, Teenagers, Love or romance, Middle classes, Betrayal, Alienation, Class consciousness, 1920’s, 1930’s, Emotions, Jealousy, envy, or resentment, England or English people, Idealism, Loneliness, Orphans or orphanages
- Locales: London, England, Seale, England
Characters Discussed
Portia Quayne, a confused and demanding sixteen-year-old girl who lives with her stepbrother. Through her affection for Eddie, she loses some of her childish idealism and sense of the simplicity of human affairs.
Thomas Quayne, Portia’s stepbrother, a partner in a London advertising firm. He takes his stepsister into his home, though he scarcely knows her. Because he and his wife have no children of their own, Portia is disturbing to them.
Anna Quayne, Thomas’ wife. Her friendship for Eddie arouses a confused jealousy in Portia. Anna...
[The entire page is 707 words long]
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See Also:
Elizabeth Bowen (Cyclopedia of World Authors)Elizabeth Bowen (Short Fiction)Elizabeth Bowen (Long Fiction)
See Also:
- - The Death of the Heart summary and study guide in the eNotes.
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