By page 3, when McEwan uses the word “catastrophe”, we know that some kind of tragic event is imminent over which we have no control - it starts to feel like a bad dream. The author/narrator then goes on to build up the suspense and tension over the next 14 pages. As early as page 2 he tells us this is one of his techniques – “I am holding back, delaying the information. I'm lingering in the prior moment”. I found this to be an extremely effective device. As readers we seem to be regarded as spectators as if we are seeing the events on film or through a camera. This is demonstrated when McEwan directs our attention to a buzzard hovering above and invites us to observe what happens from the buzzard’s perspective.
When the event is finally revealed, it is described as “a fall”. The reference is reinforced in the last words of the chapter – “falling man”. McEwan uses a very precise way of presenting the event. He takes something incredibly unusual (the tragedy itself) and describes it as if it’s something perfectly normal. This technique helps the reader to get a clear picture of the situation the narrator is in.
Throughout the first chapter we gradually learnt more and more about the narrator. However, McEwan still manages to keep the narrator’s identity hidden – we don’t even know his name. This gives him a sense of mystery which will create interest. I did assume though that the narrator was male. This is because he seems very rational and views things scientifically and objectively. Although, I think too much emphasis was put on scientific information which disrupted the flow of the narrative. The entire first chapter is written in the first person. This means the narrator’s view is subjective as he is actively involved with the story.
When describing the genre of ‘Enduring Love’, McEwan uses the term “psychological-thriller”. This is a mixture of two different genres and the first chapter shows characteristics of both. There are clear signs of the psychological genre in the suspense and tension created by McEwan. The first chapter also features aspects of the thriller genre with the surprise and action demonstrated.
Overall, I think the opening chapter is an effective one. McEwan’s detailed visual descriptions and his extremely precise way of presentation hooked me into the story and forced me to stay with it.
