Under the Net by Iris Murdoch is a philosophical novel that explores the themes of existentialism and the philosophy of language. The story follows the protagonist, Jake Donaghue, a struggling writer in London, who finds himself entangled in a series of absurd events after his best friend, Finn, dies and leaves him a manuscript. In this article, we will delve into the plot summary, character analysis, themes, motifs, symbols, and writing style of Under the Net.
Table of Content
Under the Net Book Summary
Plot Summary
The novel opens with Jake Donaghue, a struggling writer, living in London with his dog, Nelly. He is in love with Anna, a young woman who works in a bookshop, but their relationship is complicated. Jake's best friend, Finn, dies and leaves him a manuscript, which Jake believes will make him rich and famous. However, the manuscript turns out to be a philosophical treatise that nobody wants to publish.
Jake finds himself entangled in a series of absurd events, including a stint as a secretary for a wealthy couple, Hugo and Sadie, and a search for a missing dog named King Henry. He also encounters a variety of eccentric characters, including Mrs. Tinckham, a blind woman who runs a boarding house, and Lefty, a communist who wants to start a revolution. Throughout the novel, Jake struggles with his identity and his place in the world, and he ultimately learns to accept the uncertainty and unpredictability of life.
Character Analysis
The novel features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies. Jake Donaghue is the protagonist and narrator of the story. He is a struggling writer who is often cynical and detached. Anna is Jake's love interest, but she is also an enigma, and their relationship is fraught with tension. Finn is Jake's best friend, who dies at the beginning of the novel, but his presence is felt throughout the story.
Hugo and Sadie are a wealthy couple who hire Jake as their secretary. They are both eccentric and self-absorbed, and they treat Jake poorly. Mrs. Tinckham is a blind woman who runs a boarding house where Jake stays for a time. She is kind and nurturing, but also a bit strange. Lefty is a communist who wants to start a revolution, and he becomes involved in Jake's search for King Henry.
Themes and Motifs
Under the Net explores several themes, including existentialism, the philosophy of language, and the search for meaning and identity. The novel also features several motifs, including dogs, blindness, and coincidence. Murdoch uses these themes and motifs to explore the complexities of human nature and the uncertainty of life.
Symbols and Imagery
The novel features several symbols and images, including the dog Nelly, who represents Jake's sense of responsibility and connection to the world. The blind Mrs. Tinckham represents the limitations of perception and the importance of empathy. The missing dog King Henry represents the search for meaning and identity.
Writing Style
Murdoch's writing style is complex and philosophical, but also humorous and engaging. She uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to bring the characters and settings to life. The novel also features several literary allusions and references to philosophy and literature.
Under the Net Book Review
Under the Net is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that explores the complexities of human nature and the uncertainty of life. Murdoch's writing style is complex and philosophical, but also humorous and engaging. The novel features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies, and the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns. Overall, Under the Net is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, literature, or the human condition.
Under the Net Quotes
"I had been living for some time among the vegetables, and had just been taken in by the flowers."
"I had been trying to get out of the room for the whole of my life."
Under the Net Key Points
Existentialism
Under the Net explores the themes of existentialism, including the search for meaning and identity, the uncertainty of life, and the importance of personal responsibility.
Philosophy of Language
The novel also explores the philosophy of language, including the limitations of language and the importance of empathy and understanding.