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Under the Net | Introduction

Under the Net, published in 1954 in London, was Iris Murdoch’s first published novel. It relates the humorous adventures of Jake Donahue, a male protagonist who many critics believe is closely based on the author herself. Jake is described by Cheryl K. Bove in Understanding Iris Murdoch as a “failed artist and picaresque hero,” a sentiment that Murdoch attributed to herself at the time she wrote this book. Although Murdoch was later embarrassed by Under the Net because she felt the writing was immature, other critics have hailed it as one of her best works. It is rated ninety-fifth on Random House’s top 100 novels of the twentieth century, and it marked the beginning of a long and distinguished career for Murdoch, who went on to write twenty-five additional works of fiction, as well as several books on moral philosophy, one of her favorite topics. Under the Net can be read simply as a fascinating story of a crazy artist who loves serendipity or on a deeper level as an existential, absurd reflection on life.

Under the Net Summary

Under the Net begins with protagonist James “Jake” Donahue returning to England to find his friend and almost constant companion Peter “Finn” O’Finney waiting to tell him the sad news that the two of them have been asked by Jake’s current girlfriend, Magdalen “Madge” Casement, to leave their apartment. The two men have been living there for free. Madge has found a new boyfriend, Samuel “Sacred Sammy” Starfield, who has promised to make her famous.

Jake protests to Madge, but she insists that not only do they have to move, they must take everything with them that day. When Jake asks where he is supposed to go, Madge suggests he contact Dave Gellman, a philosopher friend of Jake’s. The two men begrudgingly depart, taking almost every article they possess with them and wandering through the streets of London in search of a roof and a bed.

While Finn meanders over to Dave’s place, Jake visits Mrs. Tinckham, the owner of a newspaper shop he often visits, seeking consolation from Mrs. Tinckham’s straightforward statements; her willingness to listen and keep secrets; her watchful eye on Jake’s meager possessions, which he often stows at her shop when he is... » Complete Under the Net Summary

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1. Under the Net: Introduction
2. Under the Net: Summary
   1. Chapters 1-5 Summary
   2. Chapters 6-10 Summary
   3. Chapters 11-14 Summary
   4. Chapters 15-20 Summary
3. Under the Net: Iris Murdoch Biography
4. Under the Net: Themes
5. Under the Net: Style
6. Under the Net: Historical Context
7. Under the Net: Critical Overview
8. Under the Net: Character Analysis
   1. Hugo Belfounder
   2. James Donahue
   3. Other Characters
9. Under the Net: Essays and Criticism
   1. Murdoch's Philosophical Influence
   2. Allusions in the Early Novels of Iris Murdoch
   3. Leitmotiv in Iris Murdoch’s Under the Net
10. Under the Net: Compare and Contrast
11. Under the Net: Topics for Further Study
12. Under the Net: What Do I Read Next?
13. Under the Net: Bibliography and Further Reading
14. Under the Net: Pictures
15. Copyright

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