TL;DR
Brideshead Revisited follows Charles Ryder's relationships with the aristocratic Flyte family, exploring themes of love, faith, and nostalgia for English aristocracy.
What is Brideshead Revisited about
Brideshead Revisited, subtitled The Sacred and Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder, is a novel by Evelyn Waugh that centers on the life and romances of Charles Ryder. The story is set against the backdrop of the declining English aristocracy and delves into Ryder's intense friendships and relationships with members of the Flyte family, particularly Sebastian and Julia Flyte. Through these relationships, the novel explores complex themes of Catholicism, faith, desire, and nostalgia for a bygone era. Originally published in 1945, the book has been celebrated for its rich character development and evocative portrayal of 1920s and 1930s England.
Brideshead Revisited 6 Key Takeaways
Charles Ryder's Introduction to Sebastian Flyte
Charles meets Sebastian Flyte at Oxford University, forming an intense and complex friendship with him that defines much of his early life.
Life at Brideshead Castle
Charles is introduced to Brideshead Castle, the opulent residence of the Flyte family, where he becomes enchanted by the grandeur and history of the place.
Charles' Relationship with Julia Flyte
Later in his life, Charles develops a romantic relationship with Sebastian's sister, Julia, complicating his feelings and bringing to the fore issues of faith and moral conflict.
Sebastian's Decline
Sebastian's struggle with alcoholism and his gradual decline estranges him from his family and friends, deeply affecting Charles.
The Impact of War
World War II brings significant changes, both for Charles and the Flyte family, altering their lives and perspectives on faith and duty.
Return to Brideshead
By the novel's end, Charles revisits Brideshead Castle, reflecting on the passage of time, lost relationships, and the enduring influence of faith.
Top Brideshead Revisited Quotes
- 'I should like to bury something precious in every place where I've been happy.'
- 'Sometimes, I feel the past and the future pressing so hard on either side that there's no room for the present at all.'
Who should read Brideshead Revisited?
Brideshead Revisited will appeal to readers interested in rich, character-driven narratives that explore themes of love, faith, and the complexities of human relationships. Fans of historical fiction and those intrigued by the decline of the English aristocracy will find this novel particularly engaging.
Brideshead Revisited Best Reviews
- 'Brideshead Revisited is a book that will remain in the memory of anyone who reads it, not just because it is so beautifully written, but because its characters are so well drawn and its themes so universal.' - The Guardian
- 'Evelyn Waugh's finest achievement, Brideshead Revisited is a work of art that demonstrates his command of the written word and his deep understanding of human nature.' - The New York Times
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Brideshead Revisited FAQs
What is the book Brideshead Revisited about?
Brideshead Revisited follows the aristocratic Flyte family from the 1920s through to the Second World War, focusing on Charles Ryder's intense friendship with Sebastian Flyte and subsequent romantic involvement with Julia Flyte.
What is the message of Brideshead Revisited?
The main message of Brideshead Revisited is the complexity of love and the conflict between faith and desire, as examined through the experiences of Charles Ryder and the Flyte family.
Is Brideshead Revisited about homosexuality?
The novel explores homoerotic undertones in the relationship between Charles Ryder and Sebastian Flyte, depicting a deep and complex friendship that suggests elements of homosexual attraction, though it may not be explicitly sexual.