“The Fountain Overflows” by Rebecca West is a classic novel that has been read and enjoyed by many people over the years. It tells the story of the Aubrey family, focusing on the lives of the children through the eyes of one of the daughters, Rose. The family is eccentric and artistic, with a father who is a charming but irresponsible journalist and a mother who is a former concert pianist struggling to keep the family afloat.
What many readers may not realize is that “The Fountain Overflows” is also an allegory, with deeper meanings and symbolism woven throughout the narrative. By exploring the allegorical elements of the novel, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the themes and messages that Rebecca West was trying to convey. In this article, we will delve into the allegorical aspects of “The Fountain Overflows” and explore the deeper meanings behind the story.
Background of ‘The Fountain Overflows’
‘The Fountain Overflows’ is a novel by Rebecca West that was first published in 1957. The novel is set in Edwardian England and follows the lives of the Aubrey family through the eyes of one of the daughters, Rose. The Aubrey family is eccentric and artistic, with a charming but irresponsible journalist father, Piers, and a former concert pianist mother, Clare, who struggles to keep the family afloat.
The novel is semi-autobiographical, as West drew heavily from her own experiences growing up in a similarly unconventional family. West’s father was a journalist and her mother was a talented pianist, much like the parents in the novel.
‘The Fountain Overflows’ is often considered a work of allegory, with many of the characters and events representing larger concepts and themes. For example, the titular fountain can be seen as a symbol of artistic inspiration, while the family’s financial struggles represent the precarious nature of the artistic lifestyle.
Overview of Allegorical Elements
The Fountain Overflows by Rebecca West is an allegorical novel that uses various literary elements to convey its message. The novel’s primary allegorical elements include characterization, symbolism, and imagery.
West uses characterization to create characters that represent different aspects of human nature. For example, Mr. Aubrey represents the destructive power of obsession, while his daughter, Rose, represents the power of hope and resilience. Through these characters, West explores the complexities of human nature and the struggle between good and evil.
Symbolism is another key element of the novel’s allegory. West uses symbols such as the fountain and the piano to represent different themes and ideas. The fountain, for example, represents the flow of life and the interconnectedness of all things, while the piano symbolizes the transformative power of art.
Finally, West uses vivid imagery to create a rich and immersive world that draws the reader into the story. The novel’s descriptions of music, nature, and everyday life are both beautiful and evocative, adding depth and meaning to the allegorical elements.
Characters as Allegorical Figures
The Aubrey Family
The Aubrey family in “The Fountain Overflows” can be seen as an allegory for the struggles of the artistic class in early 20th century England. The father’s genius for instability and the mother’s former career as a concert pianist highlight the precariousness of the artistic lifestyle. The children, meanwhile, represent different facets of the artistic temperament: Mary and Rose are dreamy and imaginative, while Piers is more practical and focused on his own goals.
Piers Aubrey
Piers Aubrey can be seen as an allegorical figure for the struggle between artistic expression and commercial success. As a talented musician, he dreams of making a name for himself in the music industry, but he also recognizes the need to make a living. His journey throughout the novel reflects the challenges faced by many artists who must balance their creative passions with the demands of the marketplace.
Clare Aubrey
Clare Aubrey, the mother of the family, can be seen as an allegory for the sacrifices that artists must make in order to pursue their passions. As a former concert pianist, she gave up her career to raise her children and support her husband’s unstable genius. Her struggles to keep the family afloat highlight the difficulties faced by artists who must balance their personal and professional lives.
The Twins: Mary and Rose
Mary and Rose, the dreamy and imaginative twins, can be seen as allegorical figures for the power of the artistic imagination. Their flights of fancy and vivid imaginations are a reminder of the transformative power of art. However, their struggles to fit in with the world around them also highlight the challenges faced by artists who must find a balance between their inner lives and the demands of society.
Themes and Motifs
Music and Artistry
Music and artistry are prominent themes in “The Fountain Overflows”. The Aubrey family, particularly the mother, is deeply involved in music, with Mrs. Aubrey being a former concert pianist. The family’s artistic pursuits are a source of both joy and struggle, as they face financial difficulties and societal expectations. The novel explores the power of music to connect people and express emotions, as well as the sacrifices artists must make to pursue their passions.
Societal Expectations
Societal expectations play a significant role in the lives of the Aubrey family. The novel is set in Edwardian England, where strict gender roles and class distinctions are the norm. The Aubrey children, especially the daughters, struggle to reconcile their own desires with the expectations placed upon them by society. The novel explores the tension between individuality and conformity, and the consequences of defying societal norms.
Economic Disparity
Economic disparity is another theme explored in “The Fountain Overflows”. The Aubrey family faces financial difficulties throughout the novel, as their father’s job as a journalist is unreliable and their mother’s concert career is cut short by injury. The family’s struggles are contrasted with the wealth and privilege of other characters, highlighting the unfairness of the class system. The novel raises questions about the role of money and privilege in society, and the impact of economic inequality on individual lives.
Historical Context and Symbolism
Edwardian Era Representations
The Fountain Overflows by Rebecca West is set in the early 1900s, during the Edwardian era, a time of great change in British society. The novel reflects the social and political upheavals of the time, including the suffrage movement and the rise of socialism. The portrayal of the Aubrey family’s struggles with poverty and their father’s erratic behavior is representative of the instability and uncertainty of the era.
Gender Roles and Feminism
West’s novel also explores gender roles and feminism. The character of Mrs. Aubrey, a former concert pianist, is a strong and independent woman who defies societal expectations by supporting her family financially. Her daughters, Mary and Rose, are also strong-willed and independent, refusing to conform to traditional gender roles. The novel can be seen as a critique of the limitations placed on women during the Edwardian era.
Political and Social Commentary
In addition to its exploration of gender roles and feminism, The Fountain Overflows also contains political and social commentary. The novel touches on issues such as poverty, class inequality, and the corruption of the legal system. The character of Mr. Aubrey, a failed writer and socialist, represents the struggles of the working class and the failure of the capitalist system. The novel can be seen as a critique of the social and political structures of the time.
Literary Devices Used
Metaphor and Simile
Rebecca West uses metaphor and simile to create vivid imagery and to convey complex ideas in a simple and accessible way. For example, when describing the family’s financial struggles, she writes, “Money was like water in our hands, and we could never keep it.” This metaphor helps the reader understand the family’s precarious financial situation and the fleeting nature of their resources.
Foreshadowing
West uses foreshadowing to hint at events that will occur later in the novel. For instance, when Rose describes her father’s erratic behavior, she says, “It was as if he were always walking on a tightrope, and we were the ones who would fall if he lost his balance.” This foreshadows the family’s eventual downfall and the impact it will have on the children.
Irony
Irony is used throughout the novel to highlight the gap between appearance and reality. For example, when the family moves to London, Mrs. Aubrey is excited to be closer to her old friends and the cultural opportunities of the city. However, she soon finds that her friends are no longer interested in her, and she is unable to attend the concerts and plays she had hoped to. This irony underscores the family’s isolation and the difficulty they have fitting in with the social elite.
Interpreting Key Scenes
The Overflowing Fountain Scene
One of the most memorable scenes in “The Fountain Overflows” is the overflowing fountain scene. In this scene, the Aubrey children witness the fountain in their garden overflowing with water, causing chaos and destruction. This scene can be interpreted as a metaphor for the chaos and unpredictability of life. The overflowing fountain represents the uncontrollable forces of nature and the unpredictability of life, while the Aubrey children represent the human desire for stability and control.
The Courtroom Scene
Another key scene in “The Fountain Overflows” is the courtroom scene. In this scene, the Aubrey family is involved in a legal dispute over their father’s estate. This scene can be interpreted as a metaphor for the struggle for justice and fairness in society. The courtroom represents the legal system, while the Aubrey family represents the common people who seek justice and fairness. This scene highlights the importance of fighting for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
The Final Performance
The final performance scene in “The Fountain Overflows” is a powerful moment that brings the novel to a close. In this scene, the Aubrey children perform in a concert, showcasing their musical talent and their ability to overcome adversity. This scene can be interpreted as a metaphor for the power of art to heal and inspire. The performance represents the human spirit’s ability to rise above adversity and find meaning and purpose in life. This scene highlights the importance of art and culture in human life and the role they play in shaping our values and beliefs.
Rebecca West’s Narrative Technique
Rebecca West’s narrative technique in “The Fountain Overflows” is characterized by her use of vivid imagery and allegory. She employs a descriptive writing style that brings the characters and settings to life, making them feel real and relatable to the reader.
One of the most notable aspects of West’s narrative technique is her use of symbolism and allegory. Throughout the novel, she uses various symbols to represent abstract concepts and ideas, such as the fountain, which represents the flow of life and the passage of time. This technique adds depth and complexity to the story, allowing readers to interpret the novel on multiple levels.
West also utilizes a nonlinear narrative structure, with the story jumping back and forth in time. This technique allows her to explore the characters’ pasts and provide insight into their motivations and actions. It also adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the novel, keeping readers engaged and invested in the story.
Critical Reception and Analysis
Rebecca West’s “The Fountain Overflows” has received critical acclaim since its publication in 1957. The novel was praised for its lyrical prose and vivid portrayal of the Aubrey family’s struggles. Critics have noted that the novel is an allegory for the decline of Western civilization, with the Aubrey family representing the old world and the new world order represented by the war and political upheaval.
West’s use of symbolism and imagery has been praised by many critics. The fountain, which is a recurring motif throughout the novel, is seen as a symbol of the creative spirit and the power of imagination. The piano, which is central to the story, is seen as a symbol of the artistic temperament and the pursuit of excellence.
One of the strengths of West’s writing is her ability to create complex, fully realized characters. Critics have noted that the Aubrey family is a microcosm of society, with each member representing a different aspect of human nature. The mother, for example, represents the nurturing and protective instinct, while the father represents the destructive and self-destructive impulse.