nrc.nl
The Drowned": A Missing Person Mystery in 1950s Ireland
In John Banville's "The Drowned," a missing woman's case unfolds in 1950s Ireland, focusing on the dysfunctional characters surrounding the mystery, with pathologists Garrett Quirke and inspector St. John Strafford investigating the disappearance along the Wicklow coast, uncovering secrets and a complex relationship between the two main characters.
- How do the detailed character portraits of Wymes, the Ruddocks, and Armitage contribute to the overall atmosphere and suspense of the novel?
- Banville masterfully crafts suspense by delaying the resolution of Deirdre's disappearance until two-thirds of the novel. Instead, he focuses on the flawed characters, revealing the dark secrets of a pedophile recluse, a self-absorbed husband, and a gin-soaked wife, all while highlighting the complex relationship between the perpetually grieving Quirke and the inept Strafford. This character-driven approach is typical of Banville's style, creating a layered narrative.
- What immediate impact does the unusual opening—a missing person instead of a corpse—have on the narrative structure and expectations of a typical crime novel?
- The Drowned," the latest installment in John Banville's Strafford & Quirke series, features a missing person rather than a corpse, immediately establishing an unusual premise. The story centers on a seemingly abandoned Mercedes and a distraught husband, Ronnie Armitage, claiming his wife Deirdre jumped into the sea. The lack of a body, coupled with Armitage's questionable behavior, sets a mysterious and intriguing tone.
- What deeper implications does the novel's exploration of the flawed characters and their interconnected secrets hold for understanding human nature and the societal context of 1950s Ireland?
- The novel's exploration of grief, guilt, and dysfunctional relationships within the context of 1950s Ireland adds depth to the mystery. The convergence of storylines involving previous cases, such as the murder of Rosa Jacobs, enhances the narrative complexity. The eventual discovery of two bodies underscores the moral ambiguity and underlying darkness present within seemingly normal lives, highlighting the novel's thematic concerns.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is primarily descriptive, summarizing the plot and characters. While the author's appreciation for Banville's writing is evident, this doesn't inherently present a framing bias. The focus is on the narrative elements, not on promoting a particular viewpoint.
Language Bias
The language used in the review is largely descriptive and avoids overtly loaded terms. However, the character descriptions often rely on evocative adjectives which could be seen as subtly subjective, for example describing a character as a "gin-drinking drama queen". More neutral alternatives might enhance objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the plot and characters, providing little insight into the book's potential biases. There is no mention of the representation of different social groups or political viewpoints within the narrative, limiting a comprehensive bias analysis.
Gender Bias
The review depicts some gender stereotypes. Strafford is described as an 'unhandy, slightly misogynistic weakling' who views women as 'beings who come from somewhere else than men'. This is a direct quote from the text, and its inclusion without explicit commentary presents a potential bias. Deirdre's disappearance is presented as the central mystery but her character isn't extensively explored compared to the men. More analysis would be needed on gender representation in Banville's original work.
Sustainable Development Goals
The novel explores themes of justice and the investigation of a missing person, indirectly contributing to discussions on effective law enforcement and the pursuit of justice.