Iris Murdoch, The Philosopher's Pupil

Tammy Grimshaw (Universidad de Jaen)

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.09: English Writing and Culture: Postwar and Contemporary Britain , 1945-present.
Vol. editors: Gina Lyle (University of Glasgow), Graham MacPhee (University of Manchester), Kerry Myler (Birmingham Newman University), Jenni Ramone (The Nottingham Trent University)

Dates

First circulation or publication 1983

Places

England (Country of Origin)

Genres and Modes

Novel

Resources

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In the dramatic opening scene, George McCaffrey, the eponymous character of this novel, attempts to murder his wife, Stella, by pushing their car into a canal – an event which Father Bernard Jacoby, the parish’s eccentric Anglican priest, secretly witnesses. The narrator, who introduces himself simply as “N” after recounting this event, refuses to divulge the name of the city in which the narrative is set, calling the location of the story N’s town or Ennistone. We learn that Ennistone is renowned for its mineral baths, as well as for its illustrious philosopher, John Robert Rozanov, who will soon return from America to live in the town.

Realising that her husband intends to inflict serious harm upon her, Stella McCaffrey leaves their tumultuous relationship behind and goes to

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2081 words

Citation: Grimshaw, Tammy. "The Philosopher's Pupil". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 18 March 2004 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=10021, accessed 20 April 2024.]

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