Forester explored the idea of the foreigner who is reborn in Italy - Essay Example

Forester explored the idea of the foreigner who is "reborn" in Italy Despite the perception of many readers, Where Angels Fear by Forester EM is not a commonplace, overemotional, or sentimental novel. Interestingly, the story’s motive of contest over possession of a child between parents of the father and the parents of the dead mother is a common, ordinary, and familiar aspect of life that many contemporary families go through. Nonetheless, Forester develops a setting and treatment that bring out the motive of the story in an astonishingly original way thus making the familiar concept amazing. The style of writing by Forester in a bid to conveying his message takes the form of a sordid comedy, which culminates into an unexpected real drama that ends up in most cases with tragedy. The tragic comedy developed by Forester outlines various consequences faced in marriages through the example of Lilia and Gino. While Philip and Miss Abott go to fight for the custody of Lilia’s son, Italy transforms them in a positive way. Italy significantly changes Philip to an understanding and a loving person. When Lilia was to about get married to Gino, Lilia’s mother-in-law dispatched Philip, a barrister and aesthete, to go and stop the marriage only to find out that they had married. Philip’s goes to Italy amidst his dislike of the place. Forster (6) asserts that Philip never liked Italy. The author states that, “And Philip, whom the idea of Italy always intoxicated, had started again, telling her of the supreme moments of her journey- the Campanile of Airolo, which would burst on her…” (Forster 6). This excerpt indicates that Philip hated Italy with passion hence went upon the request of her mother to stop Lilia’s marriage to Gino. In life, there are many times that individuals engage in actions where they are deemed not to due to challenges. Philip hated Italy with passion but accepted to go upon the request of his mother. From this excerpt, it is true that every individual who wants to achieve success and progress must endure various challenges, like Philip endured his dislike for Italy in order to stop the wedding between Lilia and Gino. Foster (6) adds that, “They all smiled steadily, excepting Philip, who was choking in the fog…” This is an indication that while he was there, Philip hated Italy. Nonetheless, he had to go and fulfill his mission despite the hatred. Every individual needs to focus on their success and progress without taking into considerations challenges associated. Had Philip followed his hatred for Italy, he would not have gone for the mission in the first place. After their return back home, Lilia wrote to them many letters from Italy. At this time, Philip still had strong hatred for Italy. However, in very few occasions, he was getting excited with Italy. For instance, when Lilia letter came from Monteriano, Italy, Philip was so excited (Foster 10). According to the author, “The letter was from Monteriano, and concluded with a not unsuccessful description of the wonderful little town”. It seems from this excerpt that Philip hated Italy before he had actually seen the place. However, after visiting the place for the first time during a mission to save Lilia from getting married to Gino, Philip started appreciating the beauty of Italy. Like scholars have asserted from the classical period, it is irrational for individuals to judge ‘books from their covers’. Philip had judged Italy without seeing the place. Having visited the place during his mission, Philip appreciated the beauty of the place to the extent that he wanted to go back again. While on their way to Italy, Philip had a chance of talking at length with Miss Abott. The two got involved in an intensive conversation throughout their journey into Monteriano. As Philip and Miss Abott got into conversation, they developed likings towards each other to the extent that romantic and love topics were brought into the conversation. Foster (22) clearly puts it that, “Meanwhile Philip talked continually, thinking this to be great evidence of resource and tact”. According to the author, Philip had taken the advantage to converse with Miss Abott given that he had developed some liking for her. All these were happening within Monteriano, Italy. After their second mission to obtaining custody of Lilia’s son, Philip and Miss Abott on their way to England realized that he (Philip) had learner to love her. Unfortunately, Miss Abott declares that she loves Gino, Lilia’s husband. Throughout his life and journeys to Italy, Philip learned to love in addition to appreciating the environment. Therefore, Italy significantly changed Philip in a positive way. The change occurring in Philip is not sporadic or a ‘back and forth’ movement but a gradual progression. After developing liking for Italy and Miss Abott, Philip does not change but finds himself even liking the two more and more. From the narrator’s point of view, it is undisputable that such changes within the society are very vital and significant. Such changes, though may be rare, should be encouraged unlike the ‘back and forth movement. Foster (78) asserts that, “This admirable change in Philip proceeds from nothing admirable, and may therefore provoke the gibes of the cynical. But angels and other practical people will accept it reverently, and write it down as good”. Critically, Foster (78) believes that so far Philip has changed for the better and even the reverent and practical people would accept the change. According to the author, any chance that is out of the admirable aspects of persons and places is unique hence require being uplifted. Nonetheless, this opinion does not change throughout the story. In fact, it seems to be the wish of the narrator that all changes in humankind should take this form. Through Philip many characters have significantly changed for the better of harmonious existence within the community. In conclusion, there is no doubt that Italy has significantly changed Philip in a way that even practical and reverent people will accept without any reservations whatsoever. Foster’s story, though a tragic comedy portrays some useful teaching to the society especially with respect to normal occurrences such as the fight for custody of the orphaned son. In addition, the author has attempted to call for change that is positive through Philip, whose change proceeds from nothing admirable though many people admire such changes in the community. Work Cited Foster, Edward. Where Angels fear to tread. Rockville, MD: Arc Manor LLC, 2008. Print. Read More