Elizabeth Bowen's novel The Heat of the Day delves into the timeless issues of contrasting faiths and loyalties against the backdrop of war. The narrative focuses on complex personal relationships, as embodied by Stella Rodney and her interactions with Robert Kelway and the enigmatic Harrison. In Bowen's signature style, the story unfolds through a sensitive and intricate exploration of the collision between patriotism and love.

Exploring the Disintegration of Tradition

Bowen's concern for the disintegration of tradition and value in the twentieth century often centers around the conflict between modern women's evolving aspirations and their enduring desire for traditional roles. This theme is evident in The Heat of the Day as well as in her earlier works, like The House in Paris and The Death of the Heart. In these novels, Bowen's heroines grapple with dissatisfaction in traditional roles, reflecting a broader societal tension. In The Heat of the Day, Stella Rodney embodies "free womanhood," navigating life as a professional in military intelligence, a divorcée, and a mother.

The Complexity of Stella Rodney

Stella Rodney is portrayed as a strong, articulate woman who is deeply introspective about her own circumstances and relationships. Despite allowing others to believe she left her husband, she harbors the truth of her divorce, revealing a paradox within her sense of identity. She craves the image of a self-sufficient woman while internally struggling with her self-perception. Her relationship with her son, Roderick, and her lover, Robert, highlight this internal conflict, as she strives for independence but is tethered by emotional ties. Her refusal of Robert’s marriage proposal further underscores her ambivalence.

Tradition vs. Modernity

Stella's internal conflict is mirrored in her attitude toward Mount Morris, the family estate. While she has consciously discarded traditional ties, opting for a life in London, the inheritance of Mount Morris by her son signifies a return to familial roots she tried to leave behind. Visiting the estate brings back memories of her honeymoon and evokes a sense of responsibility she had hoped to abandon. Bowen's own life experiences, such as inheriting Bowen’s Court, provide a poignant backdrop to Stella's ambivalence toward tradition versus modernity.

Generational Struggles and Legacy

The wartime setting of the novel highlights the struggles of Stella's generation, described as having "muffed" the century. Stella, who came of age after World War I, now faces the turbulence of World War II, with her personal life reflecting the broader chaos of the era. The title "The Heat of the Day" symbolizes Stella's middle age and her pivotal moments of decision-making amid a world at war, reflecting a significant turning point both personally and historically.

The New Generation's Integration

Bowen juxtaposes Stella's story with that of the younger generation, represented by Roderick and Louie Lewis. This next generation embodies a new integration and potential for rebirth. Louie, a working-class woman, symbolizes hope and renewal as she becomes pregnant during the war, undeterred by the uncertainty of her child’s paternity. Her story concludes with the birth of her son post-D-Day, signifying a new beginning.

Symbolism and Resolution

Bowen employs symbols, such as the three white swans, to suggest the potential for a positive rebirth and resolution in the post-war world. The swans appear at Mount Morris and again at the book's end as Louie gazes at her newborn, representing hope and continuity. Bowen’s symbols provide a nuanced reading of the text, suggesting that while Stella’s generation may have "botched" their chance, the future lies in the hands of the next generation, who can reconcile the dichotomies that plagued their predecessors.