“The Horse’s Mouth” is a novel by Joyce Cary that was published in 1944. The book is part of Cary’s First Trilogy, which also includes “Herself Surprised” and “To Be a Pilgrim.” The novel follows the story of Gulley Jimson, an artist who is willing to exploit his friends and acquaintances to earn money.
The novel is known for its use of allegory, which is a literary device that uses symbolic characters, events, or objects to represent abstract ideas or concepts. In “The Horse’s Mouth,” Gulley Jimson is an allegory for the struggles of the creative process. He is a character who has an insatiable genius for creation and a remarkable appetite for destruction. Through his story, the novel explores the themes of art, creativity, and the human condition.
Overview of ‘The Horse’s Mouth’
‘The Horse’s Mouth’ is a 1944 novel by Joyce Cary, which is the third book in his First Trilogy. The book follows the life of Gulley Jimson, an artist who is always in search of new ways to earn money. The story is set in post-war London and is known for its humor, satire, and allegorical elements.
The novel is divided into three parts and is narrated by Gulley Jimson himself. The story revolves around his attempts to find a wealthy patron who can fund his ambitious project of painting the inside of a London church. Throughout the novel, Jimson’s character is portrayed as a selfish, cunning, and manipulative person who is always looking out for his own interests.
The novel is also known for its allegorical elements, which are used to criticize the society and its values. The character of Jimson is seen as a symbol of the artist who is always in conflict with the society and its norms. The novel also explores themes such as the nature of art, the role of the artist in society, and the conflict between individualism and conformity.
Joyce Cary’s Biography
Joyce Cary was an Anglo-Irish novelist born on December 7, 1888, in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. He was the fifth child of a large family and was educated at Clongowes Wood College, a Jesuit boarding school in County Kildare, Ireland. After graduating, he studied art in Edinburgh and Paris and served in the Red Cross during World War I.
In 1919, Cary began his career as a civil servant in Nigeria, where he spent seven years. His experiences in Africa inspired many of his early works, including his first novel, “Aissa Saved” (1932). Cary’s writing was also influenced by his conversion to Roman Catholicism in 1927.
Cary’s most famous work is the “First Trilogy,” which includes “Herself Surprised” (1941), “To Be a Pilgrim” (1942), and “The Horse’s Mouth” (1944). “The Horse’s Mouth” tells the story of Gulley Jimson, an artist who would exploit his friends and acquaintances to earn money, told from his perspective. The novel was a bestseller and was adapted into a successful film starring Alec Guinness.
Cary’s writing was characterized by his use of allegory and satire to explore themes of morality and social change. His later works, such as “The African Witch” (1958) and “Not Honour More” (1955), continued to explore these themes. Cary died on March 29, 1957, in Oxford, England, at the age of 68.
Historical Context of the Novel
The Horse’s Mouth by Joyce Cary was published in 1944, during World War II. The novel was written during a time of great social and political change in Europe, and it reflects the chaos and uncertainty of the period. The novel is set in London, which was heavily bombed during the war, and many of the characters are struggling to cope with the destruction and loss that they have experienced.
The novel is also set against the backdrop of the art world of the time, which was undergoing significant changes. Modern art was becoming more popular, and traditional art forms were being challenged. The protagonist of the novel, Gulley Jimson, is an artist who is struggling to find his place in this changing world. He is a larger-than-life character who is both deeply flawed and deeply human, and his struggles reflect the struggles of many artists of the time.
Cary himself was a writer who was deeply engaged with the politics and culture of his time. He was a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain, and his writing reflects his political beliefs. The Horse’s Mouth is a satirical novel that is critical of many aspects of British society, including the art world, the church, and the political establishment. The novel is also deeply allegorical, and its themes of creativity, destruction, and rebirth resonate with the larger themes of the war and its aftermath.
Main Themes in ‘The Horse’s Mouth’
‘The Horse’s Mouth’ by Joyce Cary is a classic work of literature that explores various themes. The novel is a satire of the art world, and it is set in post-war London. The main character, Gulley Jimson, is a struggling artist who is consumed with the creative process. Here are some of the main themes explored in the novel:
The Struggle for Artistic Expression
One of the main themes of ‘The Horse’s Mouth’ is the struggle for artistic expression. The novel explores the idea that artists are often misunderstood and undervalued by society. Jimson is a perfect example of this, as he is constantly struggling to express himself and find an audience for his work. The novel shows how difficult it can be for artists to make a living from their art, and how they often have to make compromises in order to survive.
The Nature of Creativity
Another important theme of ‘The Horse’s Mouth’ is the nature of creativity. The novel suggests that creativity is a force that cannot be controlled or tamed. Jimson is a very creative person, but he is also very unpredictable and often behaves in ways that are difficult for others to understand. The novel shows how creativity can be both a blessing and a curse, and how it can lead to both great success and great failure.
The Search for Meaning
Finally, ‘The Horse’s Mouth’ is a novel about the search for meaning. Jimson is a character who is constantly searching for something, whether it is artistic inspiration, financial success, or personal fulfillment. The novel shows how difficult it can be to find meaning in life, and how people often have to create their own meaning in order to find happiness. It also suggests that the search for meaning is a lifelong process, and that it is something that we must all undertake if we want to live a fulfilling life.
Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a literary device that uses symbolic figures, actions, or images to convey a message or moral lesson. It is a powerful tool for authors to convey complex ideas in an accessible and engaging way. Famous literary allegories have been a part of literature for centuries.
One of the most famous examples of allegory is George Orwell’s Animal Farm, which uses animals as stand-ins for political figures and events. Another well-known allegory is John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, which follows the journey of a man named Christian as he travels from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, representing the journey of a Christian soul towards salvation.
Allegory can be found in various forms of literature, including novels, poetry, and fables. It can be used to explore a wide range of themes, from political and social issues to personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.
In Joyce Cary’s The Horse’s Mouth, the protagonist Gulley Jimson serves as an allegory for the struggles of the creative process. His journey to create a masterpiece is a metaphor for the challenges that artists face in bringing their vision to life. Through his character, Cary explores the themes of creativity, ambition, and the sacrifices that artists must make in pursuit of their art.
Detailed Allegory Analysis
Characters as Allegorical Figures
In “The Horse’s Mouth,” the protagonist Gulley Jimson represents the artist who is willing to go to any lengths to create something unique and meaningful. His character embodies the idea that true art comes from pain and struggle. His friend Nosey represents the art dealer who is only interested in commercial success and profit. The character of Sara Monday represents the purity and innocence that is often lost in the pursuit of artistic success.
Symbolism in Plot Events
The plot events in “The Horse’s Mouth” are filled with symbolism. The scene where Gulley Jimson paints the ceiling of a church represents the artist’s desire to create something that will be remembered for generations to come. The scene where he is imprisoned for stealing a painting represents the price an artist must pay for his or her art. The scene where he destroys his own paintings represents the artist’s need to constantly reinvent himself.
Setting as an Allegorical Element
The setting of “The Horse’s Mouth” is also full of allegorical elements. The dilapidated house where Gulley Jimson lives represents the state of mind of the artist who is always searching for something new and different. The streets of London represent the harsh reality of the world that the artist must face in order to create something meaningful. The art galleries and museums represent the commercialization of art and the struggle of the artist to remain true to his or her vision.
Art and Individualism
Art and individualism are closely related in Joyce Cary’s The Horse’s Mouth. The protagonist, Gulley Jimson, is a highly individualistic artist who is driven by his passion for art. He is not interested in the commercial aspects of art, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to pursue his artistic goals. This includes exploiting his friends and acquaintances to earn money, as well as engaging in other questionable activities.
However, despite his questionable behavior, Jimson is still a sympathetic character. He is driven by a deep love of art, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to pursue his passion. This is a reflection of the individualistic nature of art, which often requires artists to go against the norms of society in order to create something truly unique and original.
In The Horse’s Mouth, Cary explores the tension between individualism and conformity in the world of art. Jimson is a highly individualistic artist who is willing to break the rules in order to pursue his artistic vision. However, he also recognizes the importance of tradition and the need to learn from the great artists who came before him.
Freedom and Society
In “The Horse’s Mouth,” Joyce Cary explores the theme of freedom and its relationship with society. The protagonist, Gully Jimson, is a free-spirited artist who refuses to be bound by societal norms. He believes that true freedom can only be achieved by breaking free from the constraints of society.
Cary portrays society as a restrictive force that seeks to stifle individuality and creativity. Gully’s struggle to maintain his freedom in the face of societal pressure is a central theme of the novel.
The author also suggests that freedom comes with a price. Gully’s disregard for societal norms leads him to exploit his friends and acquaintances for personal gain. He is a complex character who embodies the contradictions inherent in the pursuit of freedom.
Comparison to Other Allegorical Works
When compared to other allegorical works, The Horse’s Mouth by Joyce Cary stands out as a unique piece of literature. Unlike Animal Farm by George Orwell or Lord of the Flies by William Golding, which use animals and children respectively as symbols to convey their message, The Horse’s Mouth uses a flawed and selfish human character as its allegory.
While Animal Farm and Lord of the Flies have clear political and social messages, The Horse’s Mouth is more focused on the artistic process and the struggles of an artist. However, all three works share a common theme of the corrupting nature of power.
In terms of style, The Horse’s Mouth is more humorous and satirical than other allegorical works. It uses wit and irony to convey its message, rather than relying solely on symbolism. This makes it a more accessible and enjoyable read for those who may not be as interested in heavy-handed allegory.
Influence on Modern Literature
The Horse’s Mouth by Joyce Cary has been a significant influence on modern literature, particularly in the use of allegory. The novel’s exploration of the creative process and the struggle of the artist to find meaning in their work has resonated with many writers and readers alike.
Cary’s use of language and imagery has also been praised by modern writers, with many citing The Horse’s Mouth as a source of inspiration. The novel’s blend of humor and pathos, as well as its vivid depictions of the artistic process, have made it a classic of modern literature.
In addition, The Horse’s Mouth has been adapted into a successful film and stage play, further cementing its place in the literary canon. Its influence can be seen in works as diverse as Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children and David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest, demonstrating the enduring power of Cary’s allegory.
Critical Reception and Interpretations
The Horse’s Mouth has been critically acclaimed for its satirical portrayal of the art world and the character of Gulley Jimson. Many critics have praised Joyce Cary’s use of allegory to depict the struggles of the artist in society.
The novel has been interpreted as a commentary on the nature of art and the artist’s role in society. Gulley Jimson’s character has been seen as a representation of the modern artist, struggling to find his place in a world that doesn’t always appreciate his work.
Some critics have also noted the novel’s themes of redemption and self-discovery. Gulley Jimson’s journey towards completing his masterpiece has been seen as a metaphor for the artist’s journey towards self-realization and fulfillment.