Madelyn Bartolome
English 123
Prof. Haslam
15 December 2017
My Last Letter
In the Newton Letter, John Banville does not attempt to convey a story. He questions how well we know one another. The narrator, a biographer, writing about the life of Isaac Newton, has arrived at a standstill and has attempted to find an escape in a rented cottage on a vast countryside property. The first confirmation he needs to go on is a puzzling letter sent to John Locke in which Newton suggests his emergency of confidence in the ability of the psyche to clarify the precise workings of the outer universe. Attaining Newton's letter and both puzzled and inspired by it, he considers giving up his own life's work. Meanwhile, his relations with the quirky English Family at whose home he is staying surprisingly alter his life and the choices he makes. This story is a letter written by the narrator - who is otherwise nameless and has entered the Irish countryside to finish his book on Newton only to uncover his own denied passions and emotions. This cottage is located in a section called Fern house where he …show more content…
Banville provides vivid pictures that hint of intrigue, possibly scandalous, backstories. He also treats the readers to just enough information as to understand the narrator and his emotions. There were times when one could not agree with the man and moments when one felt sympathy for him. Just when he thinks he has triumphed, the narrator learns he has failed. The Newton Letter is a delightful and well-composed novella. Banville turns back time with his unexpected use of science for a backdrop. Overall, It is a beautifully written narrative of a man's thoughts and the motivation that drives his directions. John Banville creates a mystery, a love story, a finding of beauty and writing that are often scarce in today’s
English 123
Prof. Haslam
15 December 2017
My Last Letter
In the Newton Letter, John Banville does not attempt to convey a story. He questions how well we know one another. The narrator, a biographer, writing about the life of Isaac Newton, has arrived at a standstill and has attempted to find an escape in a rented cottage on a vast countryside property. The first confirmation he needs to go on is a puzzling letter sent to John Locke in which Newton suggests his emergency of confidence in the ability of the psyche to clarify the precise workings of the outer universe. Attaining Newton's letter and both puzzled and inspired by it, he considers giving up his own life's work. Meanwhile, his relations with the quirky English Family at whose home he is staying surprisingly alter his life and the choices he makes. This story is a letter written by the narrator - who is otherwise nameless and has entered the Irish countryside to finish his book on Newton only to uncover his own denied passions and emotions. This cottage is located in a section called Fern house where he …show more content…
Banville provides vivid pictures that hint of intrigue, possibly scandalous, backstories. He also treats the readers to just enough information as to understand the narrator and his emotions. There were times when one could not agree with the man and moments when one felt sympathy for him. Just when he thinks he has triumphed, the narrator learns he has failed. The Newton Letter is a delightful and well-composed novella. Banville turns back time with his unexpected use of science for a backdrop. Overall, It is a beautifully written narrative of a man's thoughts and the motivation that drives his directions. John Banville creates a mystery, a love story, a finding of beauty and writing that are often scarce in today’s