The Loved One Summary of Evelyn Waugh's Book

The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh: A Darkly Humorous Satire on Death and American Society

Published in 1948, The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh is a darkly humorous and satirical novel that takes a sharp look at the cultural divide between the British and American societies. Set in the artificial paradise of the Whispering Glades Memorial Park in Hollywood, the story follows the journey of Dennis Barlow, a British poet and pets' mortician, as he navigates the world of death, love, and reputation in American society.

Characters

Dennis Barlow

Dennis Barlow is the protagonist of the story, a British expatriate living in California. After the death of a friend, Dennis finds himself drawn into the world of the Whispering Glades Memorial Park, where he comes face to face with the artificiality and commercialization of death in American society.

Aimée Thanatogenos

Aimée is a naïve Californian corpse beautician who works at Whispering Glades. She becomes romantically involved with Dennis, and their relationship forms a central part of the story as they navigate the bizarre world of the funeral industry.

Mr. Joyboy

Mr. Joyboy is the master of the embalmer's art at Whispering Glades. A meticulous and skilled embalmer, Mr. Joyboy becomes entangled in a complicated relationship with Aimée, adding a layer of dark humor and intrigue to the story.

Francis Hinsley

Francis Hinsley is a British poet and friend of Dennis who introduces him to the world of Whispering Glades. His death sets off a chain of events that lead Dennis down a path of self-discovery and cultural exploration.

Sir Ambrose Abercrombie

Sir Ambrose Abercrombie is a British socialite and friend of Dennis who provides a contrast to the world of Whispering Glades. His interactions with Dennis highlight the differences between British and American social norms and values.

Summary

Following the death of his friend Francis Hinsley, Dennis Barlow finds himself drawn into the artificial paradise of the Whispering Glades Memorial Park, where death is packaged and sold like a holiday. As Dennis navigates this strange world, he meets Aimée, a corpse beautician, and Mr. Joyboy, the master embalmer, who both play crucial roles in his journey.

As Dennis becomes more entangled in the world of Whispering Glades, he must confront his own beliefs about love, reputation, and death, all while grappling with the cultural differences between British and American society. The story unfolds in a series of darkly humorous and satirical episodes that shed light on the absurdities of the funeral industry and the values of American society.

Analysis

The Loved One is a scathing critique of the artificiality and commercialization of death in American society, as well as a satire on the cultural differences between the British and American ways of life. Through the character of Dennis Barlow, Waugh explores themes of love, reputation, and the quest for authenticity in a world obsessed with image and appearance.

The contrast between the peaceful tranquility of the British countryside and the sterile artificiality of Whispering Glades serves as a backdrop for the cultural clash at the heart of the novel. Waugh's sharp wit and keen observation highlight the absurdities of the funeral industry and the materialistic values of American society, making The Loved One a darkly humorous and thought-provoking read.

Final thoughts

Overall, The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh is a brilliant and darkly humorous satire that shines a light on the cultural divide between British and American society. Through its memorable characters and sharp wit, the novel offers a poignant commentary on love, reputation, and the commodification of death in modern society.

If you enjoy dark humor, satire, and incisive social commentary, then The Loved One is a must-read. Pick up a copy of the book or listen to the audiobook to experience this classic novel in all its satirical glory.

9780141184241 (ISBN10: 0141184248)