Review of The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley (1953)
Review of The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley (1953)
Introduction
Published in 1953, L. P. Hartley’s The Go-Between is a richly evocative novel that explores the intricacies of youth, social class, and betrayal. Set in Edwardian England, it tells the story of Leo Colston, a young boy caught in the web of adult relationships and emotional complexities during a summer visit to the home of a wealthy family. Often praised for its vivid portrayal of youth’s naiveté and the disillusionment that follows, the novel is a poignant coming-of-age tale that examines the consequences of misplaced trust, the gap between innocence and experience, and the subtle tragedies of class dynamics.
Plot Summary
The story begins when Leo, the narrator, is 13 years old and sent to stay with the family of a school friend, Marcus Maudsley, at the idyllic estate of Brandham Hall. During his visit, Leo becomes the unwitting messenger in a love affair between Marian, Marcus’s older sister, and Ted Burgess, a local farmer. As Leo becomes involved in their secretive relationship, he plays the role of the “go-between”, delivering messages between the lovers and keeping their affair hidden from the prying eyes of the adults in the house.
However, Leo’s youthful innocence and blind trust in the adults around him lead to his eventual realization of the deceit and betrayal that lies beneath the seemingly serene world of Brandham Hall. As the story unfolds, Leo is forced to confront the harsh truths of human relationships and the destructive power of secrets, which irrevocably shape his understanding of the world.
Themes
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Innocence and Experience: A central theme in The Go-Between is the contrast between youthful innocence and the adult world’s complexities. Leo’s naivety makes him an ideal messenger for Marian and Ted, yet it also makes him vulnerable to the harsh truths about love, class, and power. As Leo’s perspective shifts over the course of the novel, readers witness the erosion of his innocence as he grapples with the emotional consequences of the adult world.
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Class and Social Boundaries: The novel is deeply concerned with the rigid class system of Edwardian England. The divide between the wealthy Maudsley family and the working-class Ted Burgess underscores the novel’s exploration of social hierarchies and the limitations they impose on love and human connection. Leo’s role as a go-between also reflects the power dynamics between the classes, where the true nature of relationships is hidden beneath the surface of respectability and propriety.
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Secrets and Betrayal: Much of the novel revolves around the secrets kept by the adult characters, particularly the affair between Marian and Ted. The tension between outward appearances and hidden truths drives much of the drama in the story. Leo, as an unwitting messenger, is both part of the conspiracy and a victim of the betrayal that comes with it. His journey is marked by the realization that adults are often not as trustworthy or straightforward as he believed.
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The Passage of Time and Memory: The narrative is framed through Leo’s adult recollections of the events at Brandham Hall, and as such, the novel explores the way memory can shape our understanding of the past. The story becomes as much about Leo’s reflection on his younger self as it is about the events themselves. This dual perspective highlights the gap between the idealism of youth and the disillusionment of adulthood.
Characterization
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Leo Colston: As the novel’s narrator, Leo serves as both a participant in and observer of the unfolding drama. His youthful naivety and reliance on the adults around him make him a compelling character, and the novel’s ultimate tragedy lies in his loss of innocence. His transformation from a trusting boy to a disillusioned adult provides the emotional heart of the novel.
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Marian Maudsley: Marian represents the conflicted nature of social status and desire. Although she is from a higher social class, her affair with Ted exposes the contradictions of class structures. She is a complex character, torn between duty, passion, and the constraints imposed by her society.
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Ted Burgess: Ted, the farmer, is the embodiment of the working-class ideal, a man who desires love but is bound by the societal barriers between him and Marian. His passion for Marian is genuine, but his relationship with Leo is one of manipulation, as Ted sees the boy as a means to an end.
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The Adults of Brandham Hall: The adults in the novel are predominantly figures of social respectability, but beneath their surface lies hypocrisy and deceit. These
