Sunday, 25 September 2011
A Marxist Analysis of Susan Hill's 'Strange Meetings'
The novel 'Strange Meetings' focuses on the relationships and ranks of two Officers during World War One - John Hilliard and David Barton. It can be argued form a Marxist point of view that the characters in the novel exploit their co-workers and their subordinate colleagues - in particular John Hilliard. He allows himself to ride on horseback towards the front line when "he had passed Barton and then glanced back over his shoulder..." which implies that he deems himself of a higher status physically and professionally in comparison to the other men. This theory also applies when Hilliard cannot comfort Harris when he is down in the Cellar; he himself states “I’ll go back. Call me if you want help”, this proposes to the reader the Hilliard does not feel at ease with his own infantry, and that he simply cannot connect on an emotional level with the other men. It can also be said that because of his lack of empathy, the men fear him, as it appears that he is somewhat calm about the war. This fits the description of a Marxist leader because Hilliard is a cool, collected and efficient leader; therefore it is possible to suggest that the characters and the readers of the novel are aware that he is unusually disengaged with his surroundings.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Of course, the military is about rank and order. What might be interesting to consider is how characters find their own sense of freedom. Does warfare necessarily mean that power relationships can not be reversed. An interesting start, with the potential to apply Marxism further to your chosen texts.
ReplyDelete