Enduring Love - by Ian McKewen - Discuss the changing relationship between Clarissa and Joe.

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Enduring Love – by Ian McKewen

Discuss the changing relationship between Clarissa and Joe.

The relationship between Clarissa and Joe changes throughout the story. The only sorrow at first is the fact that Clarissa couldn’t have children, but despite this they still had a steady, satisfying relationship and were very happy, contented and loving.  After the balloon incident and Joe learns of Jed’s obsession, and in turn becomes obsessed himself, the relationship between Clarissa and him deteriorates. Slowly at first but then rapidly until they no longer live as lovers, but more so as a matter of having to. Trust and communication breaks down and eventually Clarissa moves out. However there is still love between them, and once the truth is discovered they learn there is still a chance to work at their relationship to piece things together again.

From the very beginning in chapter one it starts with Joe talking about Clarissa, giving  the impression of their relationship as he talks of a romantic picnic alone together that he had thoughtfully prepared. On page three Joe states:

“Even without the balloon the day would have been marked for memory, through the most pleasurable of ways, for this was a reuniting after a separation of six weeks, the longest Clarissa and I had spent apart in our seven years”

This gives you the idea that he is excited to see her and they are in a very strong loving relationship as they have been together for a long time and he has missed her.

Through out the balloon incident it doesn’t make reference much about their relationship, but does state how Clarissa puts her arms around his waist and how she tells him to slow down because she is worried about him. Joe also does not like Jed making reference to Clarissa’s name, showing he is protective of her.

Shortly after the balloon incident Clarissa and Joe sit down together to discuss to each other about their versions of events and how it made each of them feel. They sit and talk for hours, something they often did, which shows the strength of their friendship together and how well they got on and communicated. It brings them closer together. The night ends with them going hand-to-hand in bed, facing each other, Clarissa’s arms around Joe’s neck. It is up until here that everything seems prefect between them and they are very happily in love with one another.

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It is this night, that Joe receives a phone call from Jed, telling him that he loves him. Joe immediately hangs up and when questioned by Clarissa, he lies to her and tells her it’s the wrong number. When Clarissa later learns of this, she feels discluded and that trust was broken, especially as it took him two days to tell her the truth. This does not anger her so much to start with, she in fact finds it amusing that Jed may have a crush on Joe, but when Joe’s behaviour changes, she then refers back to this ...

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