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John Bukawyn At English universities, a student is not required to attend class, but rather is assigned a don, with whom the student masters a particular subject. By associating themselves with students, dons form a very close network amongst their undergraduates. In the novel, A Question of Upbringing by Anthony Powell, Sillery, a respected don at Oxford University, has a very similar association; however, his motives for consorting with the particular students that are within his network are questionable. Although, at first, Jenkins' perception of Sillery is one of good connotations, his opinion changes considerably over the course of the last chapter due to Short's explanations of Sillery's character and his own close ties with Stringham. Every Sunday, Sillery holds tea-parties to converse with his students and occasionally other dons. Prior to Jenkins' first few appearances at these parties he already acquires a preconception of Sillery's personality. Powell writes, "It was natural enough that Sillery should enjoy emphasizing the fact that he numbered among his friends and former pupils a great number of successful people," (168). From what Short describes, Sillery regularly name-drops and makes the other attendants fully aware of his connections with his affluent former students and prosperous friends. Jenkins considers Short's depiction and believes this characteristic of Sillery to be acceptable. However, as Jenkins drops in on a few parties, his view of this trait is contorted. At first, he considers Sillery to be, "a glorified schoolmaster," (169) who has aided prior students to greatness and wishes to further learn about his current students in order, "to know better how to instruct them," (169). As Jenkins speaks with and observes Sillery, he learns that this is not actually the case, but rather Sillery desires to discover, "undergraduate connextions which might be of use to him," (169). As Short describes him, Sillery "'never tak[es] his tea without an intrigue,'" (171) which means that he always has a purpose for who he invites to his parties. He portrays this scheming behavior especially when Stringham arrives at Oxford. Stringham's family is characterized by wealth and nobility. While his mother is an affluent heiress, who spends her money generously, his father is heavily involved in the gold trade in Africa thus making Stringham a perfect target for Sillery. In the matter of Stringham working with Sir Magnus Donners, it is evident that Sillery would do whatever to get his way, which was for Stringham to leave Oxford early and work with Donners. At this point in the chapter, Sillery appears at his worst and most manipulative; Jenkins even compares him to the blind seer Tiresias. In ancient Greek mythology, Tiresias was transformed into a woman for seven years because he displeased Hera. In this way, Sillery is like Tiresias because he is able to assume, "female character if required. With Truscott, for instance, he would behave like an affectionate aunt," (208). Sillery alters his personality in order to manipulate and further connect to his students. While talking to Stringham and Miss Weedon, he changes his character to fit the situation. At first, Sillery is aggressive as he tries to control the conversation, but when Miss Weedon brings the dialogue back to her terms Sillery becomes reserved The two struggle in this way until Buster and Mrs. Foxe arrive. At this moment Sillery changes immediately, acting very flirtatiously. Like Tiresias, he becomes very womanly when he confines, "himself to flattery, and perhaps [allows] Buster to hear the names of some of the more impressive specimens in his collection," (219). Sillery's devious manipulation of Buster proves to be effective because within minutes they decide that Stringham will leave school and work in the city. Through all of this, Sillery has made another connection, with which he can boast about to other future students at the university. With the help of Short's descriptions of Sillery and Jenkins' friendship with Stringham, Jenkins is able to observe Sillery's behavior more closely and can make assessments of Sillery's character. Over the course of the last chapter, Jenkins' perception of Sillery changes from him being a "glorified schoolmaster," (169) to one of excessive and deceitful manipulation. |
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Andy Clay Family trusts and other forms of inherited wealth can breed weird and embarrassing behavior among family members. The purpose of a family trust is to pass the earned wealth of one generation on to the next. However, when divided among multiple individuals, trusts can bring turmoil to a family. In the opening chapter of A Question of Upbringing, the narrator, Jenkins, introduces his Uncle Giles as an abnormal, unreliable character obsessed with the Jenkins family trust. According to Jenkins, "nothing [Uncle Giles] does can ever be accepted as serious" (p.16). Uncle Giles obsession with the trust is revealed by his unannounced arrival in Jenkins's dorm at Eton. Similarly, my grandparents were also obsessed with the terms of the two family trusts, of which they were members. Like Uncle Giles, my grandparents too were awkward to be around. The trust money that my grandparents received came from two family trusts - one set up by my grandfather's family and the other by my grandmother's. John Clay, my grandfather's grandfather, was a successful businessman and rancher in Wyoming. After his death, his grandchildren placed what was remaining of his estate and fortune in a trust, in order to protect the money from John Clay Jr., who was a big spender. On my grandmother's side there was another trust. The Rogers family, a successful landowning family in Chicago during the early 20th century, put the family fortune into a trust, of which my grandmother and her two siblings were members. For both Uncle Giles and my grandparents, the trust money did not solve any financial problems. When describing the trust, Jenkins says, "Uncle Giles has never been satisfied that he was receiving the full amount to which he was by right entitled: so that when times were hard - which happened about every eighteen months - he used to apply pressure with a view to squeezing out a few pounds more than his agreed position" (p.22). Whereas Jenkins father has made his own living, Uncle Giles is incapable of living within his means and instead relies on the money from the trust routinely to fallback on. Additionally, Uncle Giles's obsession of the trust damages his relationship with both Jenkins and Jenkins's father, Uncle Giles's brother. Uncle Giles's routine attempts to change the terms of the trust, as Jenkins describes, "had the effect of making my father exceedingly angry; and…they had resulted in an almost complete severance of relations between the two brothers." As a result, the family trust ironically tears apart the Jenkins family. Likewise, the trust money inherited by my grandparents disrupted my family more than it helped. Before they even received the money from the two trusts, my grandparents borrowed against it to go on exotic vacations and live a life of luxury. On a side note, my grandparents did not once consider spending money on their children. "Granny," my dad's grandmother, paid for my dad's Andover and MIT education. In the long run, this created a rift between my father and his parents. After paying of their debts following the dispersion of the trust money in the early '90s, my grandparents had little-to-no money to spend or borrow against. However, just as Uncle Giles fails to live within his means, my grandparents were not able to be self-sufficient and relied on the financial support of their children, including my dad, to fall back on. In the same way Uncle Giles and his brother drift apart because of the trust, the relationship between my father and his parents broke apart as a result of money issues. The behavior of both Uncle Giles and my grandparents, though different, makes it embarrassing to be around them. Uncle Giles's unexpected appearance at Eton creates an awkward situation between him, Jenkins, and Stringham. Jenkins describes his uncle's entrance by saying, "At first…he did not venture to advance farther into the room, meekly conscious that his unexpected arrival might ... be regarded by the occupants as creating a pivot for potential embarrassment" (p.15). In fact, the real purpose of Uncle's Giles's visit, embarrassingly, is to find the whereabouts of Jenkins's father, in order to ask for a bigger share of the trust. In a similar way, my grandparents, especially my grandfather, acted arrogantly, and, like Uncle Giles, were embarrassing to be around. On several occasions, my grandfather would boast about the exotic vacations and first class flights he had taken. Yet he failed to state that he was spending money that he himself did not earn. After my grandparents spent most of the trust money, though, they became increasingly like Uncle Giles, routinely asking for money to pay their bills. While family trusts are nice free sources of income, they tend to breed strange, embarrassing behavior in family members. In addition, trusts and inherited wealth allow people, like Uncle Giles and my grandparents, to live off the work of others rather than their own merit or entrepreneurship. |
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Kim Sugerman Throughout Anthony Powell's A Question of Upbringing, the reader is introduced to many characters, some of whom are very similar. Widmerpool has an awkward manner, and no matter how hard he works, he never gains recognition. Sillery desires to become involved in higher level politics, but also wants to direct his undergraduates. Even though Widmerpool and Sillery are different, they share many qualities; both of the men desire power and influence and are willing to work extremely hard to achieve it, but want to use it for different ends. Widmerpool seems like a socially inept school boy, but he has high aspirations and works hard to achieve them. The least of his ambitions is to make the Eton varsity teams. He trains harder then the other boys by going on "a run by himself every afternoon" (3). To him, one of the benefits of earning his colors would be acceptance and some small degree of power that came with it. He would have influence with some of the more popular students and be able to use those connections to better his own place. Widmerpool lives a lonely life because no one knows how to react to him. Jenkins describes him as being "indigestible to the community" (5). He desires to be recognized for his work and for himself, but has been unable to achieve it. When Widmerpool leaves the school, the only real act of influence he has performed was not well received. He turned in Akworth for writing the love note to Templer, and Akworth was expelled. In return, many people were upset with him. Instead of being respected and gaining power, Widmerpool is even more of an outcast. In France, Widmerpool retains his awkward and defensive manner, but also has new ambitions and successes. He immediately tries to enforce the rule of speaking French, just as he gave Templer a lecture on morals at Eton, to show he has authority. His self-perceived superiority is further demonstrated when he tells Jenkins that he is studying in Touraine because that is where the best French is spoken. In his quest for perfection, Widmerpool locks himself in his room to study French literature. He also works hard in the social aspect of his life, unlike what he did at Eton. If Widmerpool can gain better social skills, then he might be able to gain power by meeting important people. He takes time to talk with Örn and Lunquist, ultimately resolving the conflict, but he never receives the credit or influence he desires. He attempts to become their friend, but they do not even let him join them on walks. The rest of the house does not even know he played a part in the resolution. Widmerpool is focused on his future particularly topics he perceives as important and an improvement to himself. The incident with the Scandinavians is just practice for negotiating real world incidents. Although he is only a solicitor, he keeps aspiring towards business and politics, both fields requiring an influence that he has not yet gained. However, he believes that once he breaks into his new career he will be able to use his power to further improve himself until he reaches the top. Widmerpool desires to have power, just like Sillery wants influence. Sillery desires power, but has been unsuccessful at gaining any significant authority. He has put on his tea parties for years, and knows quite a few prominent people, including former Prime Ministers Asquith and Gladstone. Sillery once had hope of advancing in the Liberal party, but since that plan failed he lives vicariously through his undergraduates. He takes pleasure in finding obscure connections that he might one day use. He seems greedy when it comes to gathering information by "rubbing his hands together, and nodding quickly" (188). When Bill Truscott starts talking about Sir Magnus it is obvious that Sillery wants to be told in private so one else will know his secrets. Although he knows many influential people, he has had little success using his connections outside the university. Sillery pulled a few strings during the General Strike, but exerting his influence had no effect on the outcome. Even if he does not have real power, he has the power of gossip. Being able to pass chosen information on gives him some authority, but nothing of note. Sillery likes to display his knowledge even when he is merely introducing people during his parties. He also makes references to those he knows, such as he does during lunch with Stringham where he mentions eating with Gladstone. The reader gets the impression that Sillery likes to use his connections as bragging rights and for setting up the current students instead of advancing himself. Both Widmerpool and Sillery desire power and influence, but they want to use it in different ways. Both take delight in knowing facts that others do not. Widmerpool uncharacteristically talks with Stringham after he hears the news of Le Bas's arrest because he is excited to have the news before the rest of the school. Sillery gives out information about Quiggin's and Members's hometown to keep them in line. Both know the importance of knowing influential people; as Widmerpool tells Jenkins, "brains and hard work are of very little avail unless you know the right people" (135). The difference between Sillery and Widmerpool is that everyone knows what Sillery is after, while Widmerpool just seems socially inept. His aspiration and pursuit for influence is subtle, as Jenkins says, even in France he "did not recognize the quest for power" (157). With his strong ambitions, he could one day have authority of his own. Like Widmerpool, some people think Sillery is a little confused and his influence is nothing like he thinks it is. Both Widmerpool and Sillery desire power. However, Sillery wants influence over his graduate students, while Widmerpool wants authority for himself. People know what Sillery is after, but Widmerpool's quest for power is more subtle. Since Widmerpool has just started his career, he may advance considerably. Both seem a little eccentric at times, but both have influence. |
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Jimmy Yang At the completion of Anthony Powell's A Question of Upbringing, we have been introduced to a host of characters, and have seen them grow from being adolescent boys into young men. At the core of the story to date, there are four characters we have watched make this growth: Jenkins, Stringham, Templer, and Widmerpool. Throughout the entire story, however, Widmerpool is the character of which we see the least. He remains almost entirely a mystery through the opening chapter. When we see him again in the third chapter, we meet him first hand, and our (and Jenkins') first impression is that Widmerpool has made a great change. If we study both views of Widmerpool, however, we realize that we do not have two Widmerpools, but merely that we are seeing him through two different points of view. Widmerpool is the first character we meet through the eyes of our narrator, and we get a very mysterious view of him. As we watch Widmerpool trudge through the snow, "his appearance suddenly [impresses] itself upon the observer, as stiffly, almost majestically, Widmerpool [moves] on his heels out of the mist." (Powell, 4) There is a sort of mystique about him, which is further advanced by the fact that Jenkins has never really spent much time with Widmerpool. The stories he hears about Widmerpool all paint him out to be very strange, and never quite fitting in. He trains hard for the seasonal games, and works hard in school, but "he [has] no colors, and although far from being a dunce, there [is] nothing notable about his work." He also walks, speaks, and dresses strangely, and is made fun of by the others, acquiring quite a reputation for his ways. "His voice was pitched high and he articulated poorly, as if tongue were too big for mouth… [and] even five or six years later you might still occasionally hear an obtrusive or inappropriate garment referred to as `a Widmerpool'." (Powell, 4-5) On the whole, he seems to be a rather disconnected from his peers, despite his many attempts to distinguish himself. He is, unfortunately, unsuccessful at this, as "the only occasion when [Jenkins] heard these exertions of his receive some small amount of public recognition had been about a month before this…transcendental manifestation of himself to [him] in the mist." (Powell, 6) His interactions with the other boys include the affair where Budd threw a banana at Widmerpool's face, and his involvement in Akworth's expulsion from Eaton. Both incidents did not impress the other boys. The next time we see Widmerpool, he and Jenkins are in France. Jenkins has come to La Grenadiere and he runs into Widmerpool there. It seems almost that we meet an entirely different Widmerpool from the one we knew at Eaton. Widmerpool has "tidied himself up a bit since leaving school, though there was still a kind of exotic drabness about his appearance." (Powell, 118) He seems to assert himself much more at La Grenadiere, and talks a great deal with Jenkins, despite the fact that they had virtually no contact at all at Eaton. He makes great efforts to involve himself in the affairs of other. He takes pride in the fact that he has "settled the matter between the Monsieurs Orn and Lundquist," (Powell, 153) and is extremely critical of Jenkins when he berates the two for their petty argument. He is extremely surprised at the fact that Jenkins does know what he wishes to study when he goes to university, despite Widmerpool's own departure from education. "He was almost as shocked at hearing that [Jenkins] had no ready-made plans for a career as he had been scandalized a few minutes earlier at the information regarding the precocious dissipation of Templer's life." (Powell, 133) At first, these two impressions of Widmerpool seem quite different. If we examine the core of his behavior, however, regardless of the way others act toward him, Widmerpool has not really changed. There are values and patterns that we see in the first Widmerpool that remain constant when we see him in France. In both points of view, we see that he is tied strongly to a set of beliefs. While he is at Eaton, we get a thorough exposure to them when he gives Templer "a tremendous jaw on morals." (Powell, 13) We see this adherence to beliefs again, when Widmerpool insists that Jenkins speak in French, so as not to defeat the "purpose" of the visit to France. Widmerpool's criticism of Templer's morals mirrors his later criticism of Jenkins' berating of the Scandinavians. Even though he seems to be somewhat more natural, he has clearly kept his "thick, flat voice" (Powell, 117) and strange manner of walking when he comes to France. His diligence despite his mediocrity manifests itself in a new form: instead of applying himself to training for various games played at Eaton, he applies himself to learning the French language. He also goes to great lengths to make himself significant in either society, with more success at La Grenadiere. His methods may be different, but Widmerpool's goals and principles inherently remain the same. As we progress through the novel, we may see different faces of Widmerpool, but assuredly, he may remain the same in many ways. |
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Michael Donelan Sillery's parties are a unique attraction that Powell uses as a vehicle for the introduction of some new characters in A Question of Upbringing who will undoubtedly have an important impact throughout the rest of the story. While these introductions are brief, we are able to gain significant insight into who these people are. We first meet the Finn, Vaalkiipaa and the American Rhodes Scholar, Cheston Honthorst, but neither character is of any consequence in the first novel. We are then introduced to J.G. Quiggin and Mark Members, two students who are of particular interest to Sillery. Upon entering the scene we learn about the relationship between Stringham (more so his family) and Sillery. "Sillers" (182) has different reasons for liking Members and Quiggin. The interest shown is a result of Sillery being a social climber, in the sense that he looks to get in with those who have either already been successful in society, or are well on their way. "How is your mother?" (175) Sillery asks Stringham upon his arrival. He immediately looks to further a relationship he has with Stringham's family by acting as if the two are already old friends. The light peppering with questions about Stringham's parents from Sillery that ensues is an attempt to gain Stringham's confidence in him. Sillery likes people of high stock, although they must be of British background because the American, while he is "of millionaire stock on both sides of his family" (176), does not garner the same interest from Sillery as Stringham. Sillery makes light of the fact that Stringham has vacationed in Kenya and "his home is the beautiful house, Glimber" (178) when introducing him to Quiggin to suggest his affluence and he turns that wealth into a certain standing in society. Members and Quiggin draw the attention of Sillery for reasons that are much the opposite of those he has for liking Stringham. Members had already had some success as an individual, having a poem of his published in "Public School Verse", a literary magazine. This is seen as quite an accomplishment in the eyes of Sillery, and it is clear he wants to maintain favorable relations with Members in the hopes of capitalizing on any future successes he may have in poetry. When Members drops down onto the floor because he "…always lies on the floor." (181) Sillery "starts violently" (181) but then is accommodating and does not ask him to move, in the fear of unsettling this harmonious relationship he had with young Members. "'And you, Quiggin, are you happy?' Sillery asked." (181) Exhibiting maternal like concern for Quiggin's well being, Sillery is attracted to him because "he has collected unto himself sundry scholarships and exhibitions" which, Sillery says "is ... much to his credit" (177). Through earning these scholarships Quiggin has proved he is a self-promoting individual with talent and the will to succeed. The arrival of Bill Truscott brings to fruition the reason for the affection that Sillery shows towards the three students. Bill is a combination of the wealth of Stringham and the realized potential of Quiggin and Members. "... he was one of those persons who, from their earliest years, are marked down to do great things." (183) Furthermore "he was not only successful and ambitious, but he was also quite well off for a bachelor" (183) This is the quintessential young man that Sillery hopes Stringham, Quiggin and Members will all turn into. At the end of A Question of Upbringing we see that Stringham has already realized this potential by taking the position offered by Trucott's boss, Sir Magnus Donners. He expects they will achieve Trucott's rank in the near future, and by taking care of his relationships with them at the beginning of their bright careers he will be able to take advantage of their stature in society later. |
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Nathaniel Miller In Anthony Powell's A Question of Upbringing, the narrator, Jenkins, shares his views of the character Widmerpool throughout the novel. In the very beginning of the novel Jenkins thinks of what he calls Widmerpool's "acknowledged oddness" (pg. 3) as a myth. When Jenkins introduces Widmerpool, however, he sees this quality for the first time, reacting with a combination of fascination and disgust. Jenkins then recounts a few of his other experiences with Widmerpool at Eton, which are almost entirely negative. Later, when Jenkins travels to France, he meets Widmerpool at a manor, La Grenadiere, where they are both staying. Here Jenkins also shows few positive qualities of Widmerpool's, yet Jenkins's actions indicate his fascination. Widmerpool seems to have changed since his years as an outcast at Eton, but Jenkins allows his later impressions of Widmerpool to keep him from revealing any goodwill. Jenkins mentions when he sees Widmerpool running that he had heard many stories about him, but they, "had not made him live" (pg. 4). Obviously Jenkins is not referring to Widmerpool's existence, he acknowledges having "seen him before…even spoken with him" (pg. 3), but it seems that until this point Jenkins was unable to reconcile the stories he was told by his friends with his personal impression of Widmerpool. While Jenkins is watching Widmerpool run he notices, "something comfortless and inelegant in his appearance" (pg. 4). This prompts a list of complaints about Widmerpool, largely about his "unscintillating career at school" (pg. 6), notable only for an obtrusive overcoat and his low social status. Why exactly Jenkins is fascinated with Widmerpool at Eton is not clear, and although in public Jenkins reveals sentiments very similar to those of his friends, who are decidedly unfriendly towards Widmerpool, he does not present any actions of his own to support these denunciations. After leaving Eton, Jenkins spends some time at La Grenadiere in France, which is owned by an interpreter named Commandant Leroy, whom knew Jenkins's father, and his wife, Madame Leroy. Widmerpool, who is there as well, seems to have become more socially competent, although Jenkins does not alter his expressed views. Widmerpool is only a little upset when Jenkins talks to him in English, but offers to make an exception to the rules of the house, which allow only French to be spoken, and give Jenkins a tour in English. Later, Widmerpool is able to stop Messers Örn and Lundquist from arguing with each other through extensive diplomacy. Jenkins does his best to appear unimpressed, asking whether Widmerpool told them, "not to be such bloody fools" (pg. 153). Widmerpool tells Jenkins that in order to be effective he had to sympathize with them. Jenkins then relates that he was, in fact, "more than a little impressed" (pg. 156) with Widmerpool. Indeed, the reconciliation of two furious grown men after a significant amount of work seems impressive. Then, clearly looking back from far in the future, Jenkins claims that, "even then I did not recognize the quest for power" (pg. 157). Especially given Jenkins's earlier experiences with Widmerpool at Eton, where he was certainly not assertive, this jump to conclusions about Widmerpool's predetermined "quest for power" (pg. 157) reveals a lot about the future. In light of that statement, Jenkins's previous mention that "there was on no occasion the slightest question of Widmerpool being bullied," (pg. 6) seems to seek excuses. Widmerpool may have been a bit of an outcast at Eton, but in Jenkins's eyes, there is no reason to be bitter. It seems to contradict Jenkins's claim that Widmerpool's later embarkation on a "quest for power" (pg. 157) should have been obvious at the time. The fascination seeks the answer to where it all went wrong, to the maladies of Widmerpool's character, and to distance Jenkins from any blame. This backwards perspective of Jenkins's leads him to conclusions based upon later events, biasing his narrating of Widmerpool's statements and actions in the novel. |
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Kym Louie Sillery is a modestly popular, slightly odd character, with great influences. Every Sunday he hosts tea-parties for the undergraduates in order to meet them or get to know better those he knows already. Sillery seems to be a friendly and welcoming person, but in fact he is using the students and other people he meets to extend his web of influence and acting as he does in order to attain or keep those contacts. Sillery keeps his guests comfortable and open. His tea-parties are held in his college, in a room with homey furniture and a relaxed atmosphere; relaxed enough for Mark Members to address him as "Sillers" and lie on the floor. He is very good at connecting with people: upon meeting Stringham, Sillery puts forth a stream of questions and comments, showing his knowledge and acquaintance with Stringham's family. He tries to make sure no one feels uncomfortable, asking of the room before Quiggin's arrival that they be "specially understanding with him (177)." When Mrs. Foxe and Buster arrive for their meal with Sillery concerning Stringham's employment, Sillery engages Mrs. Fox in "conversation that took up the threads of their acquaintanceship years before.(218)" He is able to impress and relate to almost everyone with his knowledge of people and charisma. It appears that Sillery is always charming and welcoming his acquaintances, but his intent is actually solely to gain contacts and extend his influence. He invites students to have tea with him, but not without reason. Jenkins' father has important connections in France. Stringham knows Sunny Farebrother and his mother has contacts of interest to him. Quiggin has collected "sundry scholarships" and exhibitions, in Sillery's eyes making him likely to be a future important contact. The others at tea include a millionaire American Rhodes Scholar and a published poet. After introductions, two students remain without Sillery's acknowledging anything of particular importance in their families or other associations: Vaalkiipaa and Paul. When he invites students to have tea with him, it would seem that it would be a time to socialize, but the conversation in the room is rare aside from a conversation Sillery is having with one or two students. Sillery gives students time to converse with him proportionally to how valuable they are in terms of potential to reach influential positions and prominent contacts, speaking little with Vaalkiipaa and Paul, and spending large amount of time with Members. If this is not a time for socialization and discussion between the students and they are mostly hand picked by Sillery to be there, it seems to be a fabrication of Sillery's in order to extract important contacts from the undergraduates and keep their respect and trust so that he will always be able to use them. Indeed, when Truscott, a person in a very influential position with contacts, walks in and mentions an important matter that they should talk about in private, Sillery shortly announces that he is "going to drive you all out into the wind and rain in order that Bill and I can have a chat about matters (189)." In spite of protests from Quiggin and Members, he is determined to have them leave him alone with Truscott, whom he deems much more important. In Stringham's lunch with Sillery concerning his career, his reactions to meeting different family members shows how concentrated he is on the use of people. When Miss Weedon arrives in place of Mrs. Foxe, "there could be no doubt that he was deeply disappointed at Mrs. Foxe's defection; and that he did not feel Miss Weedon to be, in any way, an adequate substitution for Stringham's mother (213)." She does not seem have enough influence over either the present issue or the greater world to satisfy him and be worth much of his effort in trying to impress her, so he drops his charming and impressive façade. Despite his doubts, he still begins with "exploring her own possibilities for exploitation (213)." This leads to an absurd assumption of personas on both Sillery's and Miss Weedon's parts, and it is a great relief when Mrs. Foxe and Buster arrive. In this more important company, Sillery becomes lively and friendly again. He takes Buster aside, immediately noting that his is the mind that needs to be changed, and soon convinces him of his point of view. Jenkins believes this may have been affected by Sillery making an offer or "it is probable that […] the two of them were aware […] of mutual sympathy: Sillery confining himself to flattery, and perhaps allowing Buster to hear the names of some of the more impressive specimens in his collection (219)." His task completed, Sillery acts accordingly to be on the good side of Mrs. Foxe and Buster for the short while until they leave. He has put Stringham into a position such that he "could not only supply news of that large concern, but could also keep an eye on Sillery's other man (206)" and would not "fall under influences other than - and alien to - Sillery's (206)" at the university. Sillery is quick to charm and gain the trust of many people, but he is exploiting them such that he can have a flexible and powerful influence. His collection of "specimens" is one of his most valued possessions and he manipulates people to add to it. |
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Alex Svec Due to a selection of various factors; time, class, location, culture, social status, it is difficult to connect to the character Widmerpool, of Anthony Powell's A Question of Upbringing. It's challenging to always understand where he is coming from, why he does certain things, and what we are supposed to make of them. I wasn't going to a boarding school in London during the 1920's; I don't know what it was like. Therefore I'm hesitant to judge Widmerpool on his actions without proper context, using reactions from the Narrator as my sole basis. Instead, what can be done is compare Widmerpool to himself, examine his character and how it develops with respect to small changes in time and location. We all know what it's like to be grouped into a certain category, associated as a stereotype, or be treated a particular way simply because everyone else does. This can be decided or derived from how many friends one has, what athletics one does, what one looks like, how smart one is, etc… We are always being classified, whether it's for the better or for the worse. Widmerpool is no exception. His character in chapter one is for the most part timid, unknown, unpopular, and awkward, the type of person who exercises alone, does not connect with others, and has strong beliefs yet is too hesitant to say them. He knows it, and his peers know it. We can tell that Widmerpool wishes to change these traits from the few scenes in which he tries. When is he the innocent victim of a food fight, instead of becoming angry he attempts to play it off as nothing more than a small inconvenience, hoping to gain acceptance from the other boys. "I don't mind, I don't mind at all Budd. It doesn't matter in the least" Sadly all that is achieved is to make the situation unbearably awkward. It is clear where he stands in terms of rules, obeying and enforcing them. While not the most outspoken, his hand in getting Akworth kicked out and obvious disapproval of practical jokes signifies his stance. Yet due to his lack of self-confidence, formed from the opinions of his classmates, he is inept at actually portraying these views. "Widmerpool also stopped singing for a second and he too glanced across reprovingly." Here is an exception to his usually stoic characteristics, revealing his true self is when he "got hold of Peter and gave him a tremendous jaw on morals." This is perhaps the only time in chapter one, where we see what he really would act like if it weren't for his surroundings. Given his relationship to the other boys of the boarding school, it is difficult for Widmerpool to act as he normally would or as he would like to. Seemingly regardless of what he does, he will always be the same to them. This is the cause of his drastic character change in the third chapter. France gives Widmerpool a new beginning, a fresh start. With the exception of Jenkins, there is no one who will treat him unfairly due to prior feelings. It gives him the opportunity to truly express who he is, not who he is believed to be. Because of this, we, through Jenkins, see a completely different Widmerpool. "In this circle he had made himself an accepted, if not specially popular figure. There was no question here of his being looked upon by the rest of the community as the oddity he had been regarded at school." He is confident and assertive; especially in terms of rules "you know we are supposed to talk French here, Jenkins." Instead of letting others guess what he feels, he makes it openly known. At the same time he allows Jenkins/us to see a deeper side of him that was hidden during school. He shows real passion for what he is doing, and tries to share it with others. He expresses specifically his likes and dislikes. Including how severely disappointed he is in Jenkins for going along with the "Le Bas Incident." Even Jenkins admits that he never thought of Widmerpool actually having emotions during school, and now realizes that there is much more to him. "I still only saw him in the crude and inadequate terms with which I had accepted him at school. It never occurred to me that he might feel equally attracted towards Berthe or Suzette." For the first time in the book Widmerpool takes a definite stance on matters concerning life and how one should live, and even goes as far as to share these opinions with Jenkins. "First, you are a great deal too fond of criticizing other people: secondly, when a man's self-esteem has been injured he is too be commiserated with-not blamed." We will have to wait and read the following books to see whether Widmerpool actually follows through with his own new spoken beliefs. |