that mention Tom Sharpe as one of the influences on England,
England: Andro Linklater, Andrew
Marr in The Observer, Peter Bradshaw and
Randall Curb, among others, consider Sharpe as being an important figure
in Barnes' development of his own humour. In fact, it is easy to recognize
Sharpe's influence when reading England, England, specially when
rading Sharpe's masterpiece A Man in Full. Satire and sharp irony
combine in an attempt to depict the misteries of two different societies.
But in the case of Barnes, one can also appreciate a feeling of seriousness
getting along with the story. This seems to be Andrew
Marr's opinion, but also Linklater's and
Carey's.
This sort of seriousness owes most of its nature
to some kind of melancholy. In other words, in mnartha's words, the main
character in England, England, we appreciate a special interest in her
country's past. Martha's character reflects what marr defines as "loss
of faith" in what england actually stands for. The attempt to gather up
the most oustanding elements England as a country boasts and build
them on the Isle of Wight, in order to create a theme park that will allow
its creators to make great benefits raises the question of what is real
and what only a copy. Needless to say, the identity of England as a country
plays its role in the novel, but this is not the first time identity takes
part in a Barnes' novel; we also may find it in Croos Channel and
in Flaubert's Parrot, according to Andrew
Marr.
As said above, Martha Cothrane guides the action
in England, Englanbd. In some critics' opinion, Martha is regarded as one
of the major achievements in this novel. It is the case of Ann
Skea, who thinks that Martha is "the most believable" character, and
also Maggie Gee's.
Apart from Sharpe's influence, we also find that
of french culture, as said before. French influence on England, England
can be noticed throughout the novel, specially in proper nouns; thus, we
find references to Rousseau, Levi-Strauss, Saussure... (quoted by Ann
Skea), and also in Cross Channel. (See
also Linklater's review).
This influence or love of French thinking, is also
treated by Julian Barnes in one of the reviews I have included in my research:
"A
love affair". In this review, Barnes deals with a special dicotomy:
the different styles British and French use when it comes to writing biographies.
But French influences are not to be found only in
England,
England; according to Wincent, A History
of the world can be compared to The French Lieutenant. We must not forget,
on the other hand, one of the most important influences on Barnes' writing:
the city of London. This is better explained in one of the reviews included
in Granta, a prestigious magazine. London,
where he actually lives, accounts for some details in Barnes' novels. Thus,
it seems that the sense of "Englishness", a concept he is sometimes asked
to give his opinion. (See, for instance, Booksonline
interview).
personally, after reading any novel written by barnes,
one has got the impression of having taken advantage of the time spent.
I disagree with those arguing that Barnes' style is boring (Ong
Sorn Fer, Andrew Marr) In my opinion, England,
England, which I considfer to be his bes book (see Love,
etc reviewed for other preferences) is full of clever humour, cynical
and very funny, and, as in other books by the same author, it gives you
the chance of thinking over determined situations in life, and that is
why I think reading Barnes is worth the chance
Do you like my page? Do you find it interesting enough?
Do you miss anything in it?
Then, give your opinion...
Academic year 2000/2001
© a.r.e.a./Dr.Vicente Forés López
© Javier Herrera Sáez
Universitat de València Press
jahesa@alumni.uv.es
