The Alexandria Quartet

by Lawrence Durrell

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Summary

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The Alexandria Quartet unravels a tale of intricate relationships and the shifting emotional landscapes of its characters. L. G. Darley, a writer, recalls his experiences in Alexandria, Egypt, during the tumultuous years surrounding World War II. Through a series of relationships, including those with Melissa, Justine, and Clea, Darley reflects on love, loss, and personal growth.

Encounter with Melissa

Darley’s journey begins with Melissa, a cabaret dancer who occasionally resorts to prostitution. Their relationship forms out of shared despair, as they are both caught in a cycle of unfulfilled dreams and aspirations. They find solace in each other’s company amid the backdrop of Alexandria, yet their bond is more about shared survival than deep connection.

Justine's Allure

As Darley lives with Melissa, his path crosses with Justine during a lecture he gives on Constantine Cavafy, the famous poet. Justine, a woman of striking beauty and enigmatic intellect, becomes an irresistible figure in Darley's life. Married to Nessim, a wealthy Coptic banker, her presence captivates Darley, leading to a passionate affair that is both consuming and destructive. Darley's fascination with Justine’s mysterious nature drives him to seek understanding through her ex-husband Arnauti’s novel, yet he finds only more questions.

A Dark Turn

Darley and Justine’s affair becomes increasingly fraught with tension, culminating in a dramatic moment at a duck shoot arranged by Nessim. Darley fears for his life, believing Nessim might discover their betrayal. However, the day ends in shocking discovery when a body, later identified as Capodistria—the man who abused Justine—is found. This revelation shakes Darley to the core, especially when he learns of Justine's sudden disappearance and subsequent work in a kibbutz in Palestine.

Trial and Loss

Following these events, Darley takes a teaching position in Upper Egypt, maintaining minimal contact with Melissa, who is battling tuberculosis in a clinic. Tragically, she passes away before he can visit her, leaving him to care for her child, fathered by Nessim during a fleeting encounter after Justine's disappearance. This chain of events leaves Darley reflective and more attuned to the impermanence of his relationships.

Connection with Clea

As the narrative progresses, Darley finds himself drawn to Clea, an artist recovering from an affair with Justine. Together, they process the tumultuous events of the past, guided by the wisdom of their late friend Percy Pursewarden. Clea’s presence provides Darley with a sense of stability and companionship, as they both seek to understand their place in the world.

The Arrival of Balthazar

On his island retreat, Darley completes his manuscript, which he sends to his friend Balthazar. Upon reading it, Balthazar visits the island, offering a fresh perspective on Darley’s experiences through his annotated commentary, the Interlinear. This new insight reveals unexpected truths, such as Justine's genuine affection for Pursewarden, forcing Darley to reevaluate his understanding of love and loyalty among his friends.

Narouz and the Carnival

Meanwhile, Narouz Hosnani, Nessim’s fervent brother, attends a carnival, hoping for a glimpse of Clea, whom he secretly loves. The event takes a violent turn when Narouz, in a fit of rage, kills a man disguised as Justine. This act of violence underscores the deep entanglements and the chaotic nature of their world.

The Letters of Pursewarden

The volume concludes with Pursewarden's poignant letter to Clea, written before his suicide. He suggests a transformative approach to life, one filled with joy and kindness, hinting at the possibilities of finding meaning amidst the chaos.

Mountolive's Journey

The narrative shifts to David Mountolive, the British ambassador to Egypt, whose life story is recounted by an omniscient narrator. His diplomatic career begins at the Hosnani estate, where he learns...

(This entire section contains 910 words.)

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the intricacies of Egyptian society and falls in love with Leila, Nessim and Narouz’s mother. Their affair is passionate but fades over time, culminating in a disappointing reunion when Mountolive realizes how much time has changed them both.

Political Intrigue

The unraveling of Justine’s true loyalties becomes apparent as the story unfolds. Her devotion to Nessim and their political ambitions against British interests come to light, involving Darley and Pursewarden unwittingly in their espionage. A chance discovery by Melissa sets off a chain of events that leads to Pursewarden’s suicide, an escape from the moral and ethical conflicts he faces.

Consequences and Sacrifice

The repercussions of this conspiracy are swift. Mountolive, having discovered Nessim’s bribery and plots, chooses to act. Instead of targeting Nessim, his brother Narouz becomes the scapegoat. Narouz’s tragic death, underscored by his final wish to see Clea, brings a somber close to the family’s internal turmoil.

Reunions and Revelations

Returning to Alexandria, Darley is anxious about confronting Justine once more. She has retreated into herself, her beauty marred by a stroke, reflecting the collapse of her grand plans. Darley realizes he has outgrown the passionate but superficial love he once shared with Justine, turning instead towards Clea, with whom he finds a true artistic and personal connection.

A New Beginning

Despite the love he finds with Clea, circumstances pull them apart. Their final adventure together, a boat trip with Balthazar, ends abruptly when Clea is accidentally injured. The harrowing experience of saving her life bonds them in a profound way, although they part ways soon after. Both find solace in their artistic pursuits, and Clea, now painting with an artificial hand, writes to Darley of her newfound contentment, hinting at the possibility of reconciliation as they both continue to evolve.

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