What is Waugh’s view of the society in which he lives Essay Example
What is Waugh’s view of the society in which he lives Essay Example

What is Waugh’s view of the society in which he lives Essay Example

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  • Pages: 6 (1433 words)
  • Published: September 12, 2017
  • Type: Analysis
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At the first prison where Paul was incarcerated, the governor had an unconventional approach to managing the facility and an unusual demeanor towards the inmates. He provided the prisoners with opportunities to engage in activities and crafts that involved tools and sharp objects, believing it would aid in their therapy and enhance their mental well-being. However, this approach proved to be ineffective as there was a rise in suicides and attempted suicides. For example, he permitted the use of carving knives in the arts and crafts section.

The chaplain, Fagan, was killed in the arts and crafts department by a mentally ill inmate who believes he sees visions of angels. Governor Sir Lucas Dockery was conducting experiments aimed at finding various methods to rehabilitate prisoners. He had multiple theories about the reasons behind their criminal actions. At Black Stone prison, the

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atmosphere was less stringent compared to other prisons. The rules, laws, and penalties were not as severe. The harshest punishment they imposed was dietary regulations. Additionally, there were peculiar regulations, such as requiring guards to read all outgoing letters.

This was done to conceal and mask the true nature of the prison. Evelyn Waugh discusses various instances of the prisons' disparities. For example, in Black Stone, visitors were allowed and the content of prisoners' conversations with them was unrestricted. The situation was divergent in the second prison. In Egdon Heath, a regulation mandated the presence of a guard in the room during prisoners' conversations with visitors. This was to ensure that they refrained from discussing topics related to the prison or any related subjects.

Upon Margo's arrival at Egdon Heath to visit Paul, the atmosphere became sarcastic

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and satirical. She was instructed to place her hands on the table in full view of the guard. Once their conversation began, Margo inquired about Paul's ability to shave. The guard immediately interrupted to enforce the rule that there shall be no discussion regarding the prison regime. Furthermore, the guard informed Margo that prisoners are only permitted to provide a plain statement of their health. Additionally, a strict time limit for the visit was imposed. This distinct protocol at Egdon Heath reveals the disparities between this prison and Blackstone.

According to my perspective, Paul found the second prison to be much easier due to the wider selection of reading materials available to him. In contrast to his time in Black Stone, where he was limited to reading only the Holy Bible, the book devotion, and a book named "Prayers on various occasions of illness, uncertainty, and loss," in the second prison he had access to new books that were only two days old. Additionally, in Egdon Heath, Paul received special food that was not given to other prisoners, primarily because Margo provided financial support to the prison.

In Egdon Heath, Paul endured a harsh environment where he was assigned menial tasks like breaking rocks. Towards the end of the narrative, Paul successfully escapes from prison. While still incarcerated, Paul receives a summons from a guard informing him that someone has arranged for him to see a private doctor. The purpose of this visit is to have his appendix removed at a specialized nursing home. The medical care for Paul's procedure is entrusted to MD Augusts Fagan. Upon arriving at the nursing home, Fagan and an intoxicated doctor

warmly greet Paul. They then orchestrate a ruse, feigning Paul's death while he is under anesthesia and completing the necessary paperwork for his death certificate.

This is the account of Paul's successful escape from prison and his reunion with Margo. In the chapter called "King's Thursday" by Evelyn Waugh, the author showcases his perspective on architecture. Located in Hampshire, King's Thursday was initially constructed during the reign of Mary and William. Although it was an old structure, it lacked modern amenities such as running water and electricity. Therefore, Margo made the decision to renovate it to bring it up to date. As a result of Margo's efforts, Kings Thursday became renowned as the most exquisite building in the area spanning from Bond Street to Park Lane.

It had not been changed for three hundred years. When Margo bought the house, there was no indoor sanitation or gas, and only a few small repairs and restorations had been done by a carpenter. Additionally, the house had no lighting and rush lights had to be used. The only drains were underground, which were considered pointless. There were also other issues with the house, such as the difficulty in acquiring servants and living in it. That is why Margo decided to have it rebuilt, with the help of the strange architect Otto Silenus who handled the rebuilding and designing.

Mrs. Beste-Chetwynde selected Otto Silenuses for his unique concept of a chewing gum factory. Her vision for the redesign was to create a clean and square environment. She specifically requested that the project be completed by the spring. Silenuses had an unconventional approach, believing that the house should only contain essential items

and that decoration was insignificant. The new house featured an entrance with a floor made of bottle green glass, leading to the dining hall. A vulcanite table was the main focal point in the room, according to Paul.

The house featured an aluminum lift and a room with black glass pillars and an unfinished mosaic floor. The bedrooms were equipped with aluminum blinds. Evelyn Waugh describes the peculiar designs found throughout the house, as well as his thoughts on Otto's theory of life. According to Waugh, life is comparable to a Ferris wheel at a Luna park. He notes that some individuals, like Margo, are located on the outside of the wheel, gripping onto it tightly and enjoying the ride. However, Waugh states that in the center of the wheel lies a point of complete stillness where only a select few manage to reach, while others observe from afar.

In this passage, the author discusses how there is no difference between observing and participating in the center of a wheel. The individuals in the center represent those who have endured hardship in life. The text explores Fagan's disdain for the Welsh and his portrayal of them as animals, leading him to write a book about his thoughts on them. At the start of the book, Fagan serves as the school's headmaster and instructs Paul to teach music despite lacking any musical skills. Fagan also used speech lessons to falsely present himself as part of the middle class.

Evelyn Waugh portrays Fagan's various endeavors, including his false claim of being a qualified doctor or MD. Fagan runs a so-called nursing home, where an inebriated surgeon is present. He also

participates in a criminal act by aiding in Paul's escape and fabricating his death during surgery. In "Decline and Fall," Waugh illustrates the corruption within the Church, particularly within Scone College.

The head teachers have no regard for the Church. They actually pray for the members of the Boilenger Club to attack and vandalize the chapel, in order to increase their financial gains. This is evident in their portrayal of the Churchman of that era, who is not obligated to have faith in God. Their sole focus is on fulfilling their duties.

The text discusses the views of Prendergrast, a non-believer, on God and questions why God created the world. It also highlights the behavior of the people during church mass, where they use it as a social event to show off and put others down. The text reveals more about the upper class individuals during a sports day. The band's refusal to play any song other than "Men of Harlem" is attributed to their belief that it would be unholy to play a sacred tune while someone is smoking. However, they are willing to overlook this issue as long as they receive extra payment.

During the progression of the sports day event, it is ironic to witness the Vicar himself discussing the belief that granting freedom to black individuals was an erroneous decision, suggesting that the whites would have been better off if they had remained slaves forever. Towards the end of the book, another chaplain emerges who rejects Christ and denies the existence of goodness, questions the legality of marriage, and challenges the validity of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. From Evelyn Waugh's "Decline and fall,"

it can be inferred that he is not fond of people. This conclusion is drawn from his predominantly negative perspective, where he scrutinizes everything solely from his own viewpoint.

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