Decline and Fall discussion

Decline and Fall follows Paul Pennyfeather that was learning for becoming a vicar but, was sent down from Oxford after a terrible scandal and takes up teaching in an obscure school in Wales, where he is attracted to Margot Bestechet-wynde. The story is about his misfortunes and adventures but written with a satiric eye. The story is fast read and full of energy. Waugh aims at so many targets (educational institutions, prison life, loose society women...) that it’s a delight to read, if you like black humour... It’s a bit racist, but the story is written in 1920... So you have to forgive Evelyn Waugh for that. Needless to say, I love Waugh’s satiric writing and will read more from this author!

I thought that Evelyn Waugh was a bit out of fashion, but I agree that they are well worth a read. As well as "Decline and Fall", "The Loved One" is a fantastic satirical piece of writing. Brideshead Revisited is also very, very good.

And "Scoop".

I think Waugh became more cautious and conservative as he grew older and tried to write rounded out novels - novels as he thought they ought to be written. I like Brideshead Revisited but much prefer Decline and Fall. I like The Loved One too. My first Waugh, which I finished in one night.

Crepain wrote: "It’s a bit racist, but the story is written in 1920... So you have to forgive Evelyn Waugh for that. Needless to say, I love Waugh’s satiric writing and will read more from this author! ..."

Here we go again. Every reviewer wants to praise Waugh but no one seems able to avoid this frightened excuse-making and lets-distance-ourselves-from-him reaction. He doesn't need forgiving!

Waugh certainly has a keen capacity for describing romances. In each of the books I've read from his so far, when his protagonist gets the brush-off from one of the flighty society girls he happens to be in love with..ouch; there's sure some impact. Excruciating little moments towards the end of the story. It is to wince!