Georgia Blain's book Candelo explores the theme of deception, going beyond simple lies to show how it affects all the characters in profound ways. The act of concealing information and hiding the truth has a detrimental effect on relationships. Simon, despite being an honest man, chooses not to reveal the truth for fear of alienating his family. Instead, he silently watches Vi and Ursula from outside Ursula's room before leaving quietly.
Mitchell's decision to remain silent had severe consequences for him, resulting in persecution and charges related to Evie's death. This eventually led him towards contemplating suicide. Mitchell's silence not only brought immense sorrow upon himself but also caused Simon to distance himself from his other problems, creating a barrier between him and the rest of the characters. Even now, Simon struggles with
...expressing himself effectively as his attempts at communication prove futile. Blain highlights the significance of honesty and communication, stating that it is preferable to be honest rather than opting for silence. Furthermore, Ursula is portrayed as more than just a liar; she is shown to be manipulative particularly in her relationship with Marco.
Despite lacking a spark between them, Marco was kind to Ursula. However, she struggled with being honest about her lack of sexual attraction towards him. This led to Marco hating her after discovering her deception when he asked why she didn't want to have sex. Instead of telling the truth, Ursula misled him. Consequently, Marco lied to himself and refused to accept their reality. Ursula's deceit triggered a series of betrayals that connected Louise, Anton, Marco, and herself. Each person justified their actions in various
ways.
Blain effectively conveys the notion that different forms of deception, such as Ursula secretly seeing Anton without considering the impact on Louise, can be harmful. The author encourages individuals to be honest with themselves and avoid keeping secrets from loved ones, even if they believe it is in their best interest. Additionally, Blain highlights that deception not only affects the deceived but also the deceiver and those close to them.
Blain examines how imagery and symbolism create a mood in each chapter, immersing readers in the world of the novel Candelo. In the first chapter, Ursula’s house is vividly portrayed as a dilapidated, decaying place where nothing is ever fixed. This depiction represents both Ursula’s soul and her troubled state of mind, which has deteriorated like the mud sliding down the hill behind her house.
Her life was so complex and chaotic that she was slowly deteriorating, leaving only a weak foundation of what once existed. The description of her house not only introduces the reader to Ursula's world but also plunges them into her fractured psyche. Candelo serves as a representation of the family and their crumbling relationships. With their hidden truths and dishonesty, it was hard to perceive anything clearly. They were unsure of their standing with one another in Candelo, unaware of the various conflicts they faced.
Candelo resembled the strained relationship between Ursula and Mitchell - both were dusty and dirty. Mitchell's act of raping Ursula further isolated her from her family, just like how dust cakes the car window, creating distance. Similarly, Candelo was overshadowed by the hills on either side, mirroring the overshadowing of
relationships within the family due to their issues. The family members were unable to fully connect with each other as they were enveloped by their problems, preventing them from seeing the truth and light. What was once a thriving family now became a deceptive and distant one, lacking trust among themselves.
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