The novel The Good Companions by J. B. Priestley is a vibrant tapestry of characters bound together in their quest for fulfillment and community. This work elegantly captures the essence of human connection through its picaresque narrative, even though it diverges from traditional definitions of the genre. By weaving individual stories into a collective journey, Priestley highlights the joys and challenges of life, suggesting that true happiness stems from shared experiences.

Priestley's Narrative Technique

J. B. Priestley’s writing in The Good Companions defies easy categorization. Unlike many authors of his time, Priestley was not tethered to a singular literary movement, and he took pleasure in exploring different genres and styles. This novel, his fourth, serves as an homage to the Victorian style, complete with humorous chapter subtitles reminiscent of literary giants such as Henry Fielding, Charles Dickens, and William Makepeace Thackeray. Priestley crafted an old-fashioned narrative that resonated with readers through its structure and style, marking a successful return to the traditional long English novel.

Structure and Style

Priestley structured The Good Companions as a three-act play, a technique that allowed him to manage the novel's considerable length. Each "act" of the novel guides the reader through distinct phases of the characters' journey. Book 1 introduces the strangers who unite under the banner of The Good Companions. Book 2 chronicles their collective adventures as they tour, capturing the essence of their dreams and struggles. The narrative culminates in Book 3, where the inevitable dissolution of the troupe occurs, leading to a dispersal of its members. An epilogue provides a final nod to the characters' ongoing lives, satiating readers' curiosity for "all the latest news."

Character and Locale

Priestley’s masterful depiction of locale and character breathes life into his narrative. His ability to capture the mood, rhythm, and dialect of various settings and personas serves as a hallmark of his style. This nuanced portrayal of English society during the late 1920s extends beyond mere reporting; instead, it enriches the reader’s understanding of the time and place. His early audience saw reflections of their lives within his pages, while later readers appreciated the vivid window into a bygone era.

The novel begins with a panoramic view from the Pennine Mountains, descending into the fictional town of Bruddersford, which stands in for Priestley’s own Bradford. Here, readers meet Jess Oakroyd amidst a departing football crowd. Priestley intertwines character and setting, using detailed descriptions to introduce the main players and their environments. This technique comes full circle at the novel's end, as Jess exits the football grounds once more, and the narrative lifts back over the Pennines, underscoring the expansive scope of the tale as a representation of all England.

Social Commentary

Throughout The Good Companions, Priestley offers a profound yet subtle social critique. Each character, whether central or peripheral, is richly drawn, contributing to a vibrant mosaic that reflects the societal landscape of interwar England. Through these depictions, Priestley conveys the harsh realities of the period—an era marked by hard work, precarious living conditions, and a tenuous balance between hope and despair. Yet, amidst these challenges, Priestley finds and portrays joy, using the theatrical world of the troupe as a metaphor for the illusions and romances of everyday life.

Entertainment and Reflection

Priestley’s primary aim was storytelling that engaged and entertained. He wanted to evoke laughter, tears, and contemplation, believing deeply in the power of narrative to connect and move people. This philosophy is evident in the romanticism and enthusiasm that permeates The Good Companions. The book’s immense popularity and Priestley’s subsequent rise to fame are testaments to his ability to touch on universal themes with clarity and warmth. While he authored more than thirty other novels, none have matched the enduring appeal of this quintessential work.