The Go-Between
|
|
The Go-Between is a novel by L.P. Hartley (1895 – 1972), published in London in 1953.
Novel
The plot has striking parallels to that of a classical Danish novel, Brudstykker af en Landsbydegns Dagbog ("Fragments from a Parish-Clerk's Diary") by St. St. Blicher (1824).
The story begins with the reminiscences of Leo, an aging man, looking back at his childhood with nostalgia, a theme found in abundance throughout the novel. The great portion of the text concerns itself in this past, particularly the summer of 1900 at the home of his friend, Brandham Hall. Here the young Leo undergoes his process of maturity through experience, acting at first as a messenger in ignorance between the daughter of a wealthy family, Marion, and a nearby farmer, Ted. Later he acts as an interceptor and occasional editor of the messages, realising the true carnal state of the affair between the two. His actions have disastrous consequences, such as the tragic end of the affair with Ted's suicide, and a permanent psychological scar upon Leo's life.
It may be said that Hartley was a brilliant thematic writer, in that many deliberate themes and metaphors may be found in his work. Within this novel such themes arise of childhood, a loss of innocence, family life (or a lack of such), class and gender distinctions and education to name but five.
Film
In 1970, The Go-Between was made into a movie directed by Joseph Losey with the same title.
The cast included, among others, Julie Christie, Alan Bates, Margaret Leighton, Michael Redgrave, and Edward Fox. The screenplay was written by Harold Pinter. Music for the film was composed by Michel Legrand.
The film won the 1971 Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the Cannes Film Festival.bg:Посредникът