Analysis
Barbara Pym’s literary world is an exploration of human nature, focusing on the quiet, domestic lives of her characters. Her novels often feature unmarried women who navigate life’s complexities through the lens of societal norms, religion, and unfulfilled desires. Through meticulous observation and subtle humor, Pym addresses themes of loneliness, unrequited love, and the search for meaning in a world that often overlooks the ordinary.
Exploring Human Nature in Pym’s Novels
Barbara Pym’s work demonstrates her keen interest in human nature, particularly within the context of British lower and lower-middle-class life. Her first novel, Some Tame Gazelle, sets the stage for her exploration of the lives of those who live quietly, focusing on two unmarried women who choose a life together over marriage. The omnipresent influence of the Anglican Church, references to anthropology and literature, male weaknesses, and a comic tone are recurring elements in her novels, including the posthumously published Crampton Hodnet and An Academic Question. Despite their thin plots, these works showcase Pym’s sharp observations and lively dialogue, particularly among minor characters, emphasizing her concern for the elderly.
Her novels are celebrated for their wit, style, and exploration of ordinary life. Philip Larkin noted Pym’s careful attention to detail and the "rueful yet courageous acceptance of things." This approach is evident in works like Excellent Women, A Glass of Blessings, and Quartet in Autumn, which use contemporary manners as a comedic backdrop while examining the frustrations and desires of everyday people.
Dynamic Heroines and Social Commentary
Pym often appoints a heroine to comment on the intimate details of social behavior. In Excellent Women, Mildred Lathbury embodies this role, representing the "excellent woman" archetype. Preoccupied with order and routine, Mildred becomes involved in the lives of her neighbors, bringing Pym’s social observations to life. Similarly, in A Glass of Blessings, Wilmet Forsyth grapples with boredom in her marriage, finding solace in religion after her near romances fail. Pym’s antiheroic view culminates in Quartet in Autumn, where the story of four lonely, middle-aged individuals serves as her most technically accomplished work, reflecting on the formal protest against life’s sad conditions.
Excellent Women is set in a run-down part of London near a High Anglican church and follows spinster Mildred Lathbury as she navigates her limited world. It is in this setting that small crises and "little useless longings" become the highlights of her life. As she becomes embroiled in her neighbors' affairs, Mildred’s commentary provides insight into her world. She represents Pym’s "excellent women"—capable, unmarried women who, while preoccupied with the lives of others, maintain their own personal integrity.
Complex Relationships and Inner Discoveries
In A Glass of Blessings, Wilmet Forsyth’s leisurely life contrasts with the bustling community around her. Her flirtations with various men, including her best friend's husband and a priest, reveal her discontent with her marriage. Pym cleverly uses Wilmet’s interactions to explore the intricacies of human relationships, ultimately leading her to find comfort in her religious convictions.
Quartet in Autumn offers a harsher perspective on life’s realities, focusing on four office workers facing retirement. Letty, Marcia, Norman, and Edwin illustrate the isolation and loneliness prevalent in modern urban life. Pym’s narrative delves into their struggles with connection and meaning as they come to terms with their solitary existences.
Pym’s World of Unmarried Women and Feckless Men
Pym’s novels often feature single women who are actively involved in the Anglican Church and literature, reflecting her own life priorities. Her stories are populated by "excellent women"—unmarried, self-defined women who remain integral to the community despite being overlooked by potential...
(This entire section contains 1096 words.)
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romantic partners. These women, like Belinda and Harriet Bede inSome Tame Gazelle, embody the quiet strength that comes from self-reliance and an understanding of their place in the world.
Pym juxtaposes her excellent women with feckless men, such as the clergy, who often depend on these women for support. Her portrayal of the clergy and anthropologists, who are detached from daily concerns, highlights the disconnect between professional pursuits and personal fulfillment. The Anglican Church, a central theme in her early work, eventually recedes in importance, mirroring its diminished role in twentieth-century society.
Comparisons with Austen and Trollope
Pym has been called a "modern Jane Austen," a comparison that underscores her mastery of the novel of manners. Both authors use irony and wit to depict everyday life, though Pym’s heroines typically end up alone, offering a more nuanced view of women’s roles. Her admiration for Austen, Trollope, and other British writers who explored the church and clergy is evident in her work, though Pym faithfully documents the church’s decline in her era.
Pym’s novels capture a world of diminished expectations, reflecting mid-twentieth-century Britain’s realities. Through mundane occurrences like afternoon tea and church sales, Pym finds humor and significance, engaging readers with her astute observations of human nature.
From "Excellent Women" to "Quartet in Autumn"
Excellent Women is a quintessential Pym novel, following Mildred Lathbury as she maneuvers through the challenges of spinsterhood. Her relationships with characters like Reverend Julian Malory and anthropologist Everard Bone reveal her ironic detachment and self-awareness. Despite being used by the men around her, Mildred maintains her integrity, embodying Pym’s "excellent woman" model.
In Less than Angels, Pym shifts focus to the world of anthropology, depicting the trivial rivalries and emotional detachment within the academic community. The novel’s warmth comes from characters like Catherine Oliphant, who contrasts with the anthropologists’ sterile pursuits. Pym’s experience at the International Africa Institute informs her humorous yet poignant critique of the profession.
A Glass of Blessings centers on Wilmet Forsyth’s exploration of identity and purpose. Her flirtations with clergy and acquaintances highlight her search for meaning amid the church’s distractions. Pym’s witty depiction of Wilmet’s journey reveals the subtle influences that shape her life decisions.
Quartet in Autumn explores the isolation of four elderly office workers as they face retirement. Letty, Marcia, Norman, and Edwin embody the challenges of connecting in a modern, urban world. Pym’s narrative highlights the importance of human connection, ultimately portraying the quartet as isolated individuals despite their shared experiences.
Pym’s novels remain a testament to her understanding of human nature and the quiet complexities of everyday life. Through her "excellent women," she offers a window into the lives of those who find contentment in simple pleasures, despite societal limitations. Her works continue to resonate with readers, offering humor, insight, and a reflection on the enduring human spirit.
