The Go-Between: A Victorian Tale of Forbidden Love and its Lingering Effects

First published in 1953, L.P. Hartley's The Go-Between details the life-changing experiences of a young boy in the late 19th century. Told through a series of flashbacks, this novel marked a significant breakthrough in Hartley's writing career, after initial struggles with achieving commercial success.

In this article, we will provide a synopsis of The Go-Between, explore its genre, delve into Hartley's background, and analyze this powerful piece of literature.

The Go-Between: A Summary

The story centers around Leo Tolston, now a man in his sixties, who still grapples with a tragic event from his childhood. When he stumbles upon an old diary, Leo is forced to confront the memories he has long repressed.

The novel takes place in late Victorian England, where we meet young Leo - a naive and innocent boy from a lower-class family. He is invited to spend the summer at Brandham Hall, the grand estate of his affluent friend, Marcus Maudsley. Despite the class differences, Leo is warmly welcomed by Marcus's family and is drawn to the sprawling grounds of the estate, where he spends his days exploring and learning about the various plants in the outhouses.

During his stay, Leo comes across several characters who play crucial roles in the story. He develops a crush on Marcus's older sister, Marian, and also forms a bond with Ted Burgess, a rugged farmer from the local community. Leo also catches the attention of Lord Trimingham, the owner of the land on which Brandham Hall stands.

The idyllic summer takes a turn when Marcus falls sick with measles, leaving Leo with more freedom and time to himself. It is during this time that he begins spending more time with Marian and Ted, separately. But when Lord Trimingham asks Leo to deliver a message from Marian, it becomes clear that he has unknowingly been caught in the middle of a secret affair.

As Leo becomes more entangled in the lives of Marian and Ted, he discovers their forbidden love. Uncomfortable with his role, he tries to distance himself, but when Marian asks for his help once again, he cannot refuse. Innocent and trusting, Leo assumes their discussions are business-related, remaining oblivious to the truth.

Desperate to put an end to the affair, Leo takes matters into his own hands by altering one of Ted's letters and even concocting a magical potion. But his efforts are in vain, and when Mrs. Maudsley, the mother of Marcus and Marian, becomes suspicious of her daughter's behavior, she asks Leo to assist her in finding her. In a tragic turn of events, Leo and Mrs. Maudsley discover Marian and Ted's intimate encounter, leading to Ted's heartbreaking suicide.

The Go-Between: An Analysis

The novel then fast-forwards to Leo as an adult, still emotionally scarred by what he witnessed as a child. He has isolated himself from society and struggles to form intimate relationships. Seeking closure, Leo returns to Brandham Hall, where he reunites with an elderly Marian and learns of the lasting effects of that fateful summer on everyone involved.

As we delve deeper into the story, Hartley skillfully navigates themes of social class, taboo love, and the consequences of deception with finesse. He also offers a poignant commentary on the long-lasting impact of traumatic events on an individual's life.

The Go-Between: Hartley's Background

Born in 1895, L.P. Hartley was a British author acclaimed for his novels and short stories. He faced challenges in establishing commercial success in his early career, with many of his works going out of print. However, The Go-Between turned the tide for Hartley, earning critical and commercial acclaim and solidifying his position in the literary world. He went on to publish other notable works, including A Perfect Woman and The Hireling.

In Conclusion

A poignant coming-of-age tale, The Go-Between intricately explores the themes of love, loss, and the lasting repercussions of secrets. With its gripping plot and well-developed characters, this novel continues to captivate readers even years after its initial release.

Forbidden Love and its Consequences in The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley

The tragic love affair between Marian and Ted in The Go-Between highlights the societal and personal repercussions of forbidden love in the late Victorian era. This powerful and evocative novel by L.P. Hartley is a must-read for any literature enthusiast.

Uncovering the Hidden Meanings in The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley

L.P. Hartley's The Go-Between tells the story of Leo Tolston, a young and naive boy who becomes entangled in a forbidden love affair between Marian and Ted. Set in the late Victorian era, the novel explores themes of class, societal expectations, and the loss of innocence.

Leo Tolston: The Naive Messenger

The protagonist, Leo Tolston, is initially portrayed as a curious and innocent young boy who is easily captivated by the world around him. He is chosen by Marian and Ted to be their secret messenger, unknowingly becoming a crucial player in their love affair. However, as the story progresses, Leo matures and witnesses the consequences of their forbidden relationship, which ultimately leads to his loss of innocence.

L.P. Hartley: Author and Novelist

L.P. Hartley, born in 1895, was a British novelist known for his gothic and supernatural short stories. The Go-Between, one of his most successful works, examines themes of childhood, maturing, and the changing world of the twentieth century. Although Hartley gained recognition and respect in the literary community, his later works did not achieve the same level of success.

Class and Morality in The Go-Between

Class plays a significant role in The Go-Between, as it dictates the societal norms and expectations that ultimately lead to the tragic ending of Marian and Ted's love. The novel also explores the impact of societal norms on individual morality, as Leo struggles with his own beliefs and actions. Set in the late Victorian era, Hartley paints a vivid picture of a society in transition, where traditional values and ideals are disappearing.

The True Meaning of The Go-Between

The Go-Between is more than just a forbidden love story; it is a commentary on the changing world of the late Victorian era and the consequences of rigid societal norms. The tragic ending of Marian and Ted serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive nature of suppressing true love. By unraveling the themes and literary genres within the novel, it becomes evident that The Go-Between is a powerful and thought-provoking story that continues to resonate with readers today.

The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley: A Tale of Forbidden Love and Societal Expectations

In L.P. Hartley's novel, The Go-Between, the love between Marian and Ted defies societal class divisions but is ultimately doomed by the rigid expectations of Victorian society. Leo, the innocent messenger caught in the middle of their affair, also learns harsh lessons about love, class, and the loss of innocence.

As the story unfolds, Leo's innocence is shattered as he becomes an unwitting witness to the scandalous affair between Marian and Ted. His journey towards maturity is filled with hardship and trauma, leaving him emotionally scarred and unable to form intimate relationships. In this way, Leo's story reflects the consequences of the strict social structures and expectations of the late Victorian era.

Key Themes and Memorable Quotes from The Go-Between

Some of the key themes explored in The Go-Between include class divisions, societal expectations, and the loss of innocence. These themes are reflected in powerful quotes such as:

• "Marian, why don't you marry Ted?" - This quote showcases Leo's naive and innocent understanding of love and class divisions.
• "I couldn't, I couldn't! Can't you see why?" - Marian's desperation and struggle with societal expectations are evident in this quote.
• "The suit was green, and I loved it. It was the emblem of a season, of a mood - the ripening green of late summer." - This quote captures the beauty and fleeting nature of innocence and childhood in the late Victorian era.

The Role of Symbolism in The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley

The Go-Between, written by L.P. Hartley in 1953, is a thought-provoking masterpiece that explores the themes of love, innocence, and societal expectations in late Victorian England. Through the eyes of its protagonist, Leo Tolston, the novel serves as a commentary on the rigid class structure and its impact on individuals.

Leo's innocence is represented by the green suit, which is later mentioned by Marcus as a reminder of his loss. This symbolizes Leo's journey towards maturity, which is abruptly accelerated after he discovers the forbidden love between Marian, a wealthy upper-class woman, and Ted, a working-class farmer. Leo's naivety is shattered as he witnesses Ted's suicide, leading him to shut off his emotions and focus solely on facts.

Meanwhile, the quote "It was a heart's history in a look" emphasizes the depth of Marian's love for Ted. This forbidden love serves as a testament to the power of true love, even in the face of societal disapproval.

The Go-Between is a delightful combination of a coming-of-age story and a romance. It follows Leo's journey towards maturity and the impact of societal expectations on him. As a bildungsroman, Leo's story highlights the consequences of carrying secrets and the burden of living up to societal norms.

So, is The Go-Between based on a true story? While some may believe that Hartley drew inspiration from his own life experiences, it is not a completely factual account. However, the issues it raises about class and loss of innocence are still relevant today and make it a timeless and engaging read for all.

Overall, The Go-Between is a beautiful and thought-provoking novel that serves as a poignant commentary on society's expectations and the impact they have on individuals. Hartley's masterful storytelling and use of symbolism make it a must-read for anyone interested in themes of love, loss, and growth.