Saturday, October 16, 2010

Kingsley Amis (1922-1995)

  • associated with writers labelled Angry Young Men

Lucky Jim


Characters:

  • James Dixon
  • Professor Welch
  • Christine

Plot summary:

  • follows exploits of protagonist James Dixon, reluctant lecturer in a university
  • he seeks to gain approval by maintaining good relations with his superior, Professor Welch, and by attempting to get his article on historical shipbuilding methods published
  • Jim is largely without tact and prudence and has trouble accepting the pretension of Welch and others
  • Novel culminates in Jim's speech on "Merrye England" which he gives in order to please Welch
  • speech goes horribly wrong as Jim uncontrollably begins to mock Welsh and everything he hates - he finally goes into convulsions and passes out
  • Jim is fired but a wealthy Scottish businessman who respects Jim's individuality gives him a better-paying job
  • Jim has the last laugh as Christine, who has been engaged to Welch's son, decides to assume a relationship with him in London

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