A Reader's Response to McEwan's Characterisation of Joe Rose in Chapters 1 - 6 of 'Enduring Love'

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Daniel Jenkins

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A Reader’s Response to McEwan’s Characterisation of Joe Rose in Chapters 1 - 6 of ‘Enduring Love’

In Chapters 1-6 of ‘Enduring Love’ McEwan has forced the reader to become heavily involved in the storyline through the use of a dramatic event; the balloon accident that happened within the first chapter.  In the first 6 Chapters it becomes clear that Jed has become infatuated with Joe Rose.  The reader can then use this as an insight into the personality and the character of Joe through the events that unfold within these chapters.

Personally, as the reader, I see Joe as a very educated person who has a very organised, analytical and rational mind; he processes information in a very logical way.  This comes across when he talks about evolution and Darwin when he picks Clarissa up from the airport.  He observes other peoples expressions when they see their loved ones when they come through the gate at the airport; “if one ever wanted proof of Darwin’s contention that the many expressions of emotion in humans are universal, genetically inscribed, then a few minutes….”  This shows the reader how Joe is very educated and interested in science.

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However he also shows a very opposite side of himself from science which is very factual and organised, this is love.  His love for Clarissa shows through how McEwan has written this character; “a beautiful woman loved and wanted to be loved by a large, clumsy, balding fellow who could hardly believe his luck” and how later on in the book when Jed phones up and tells Joe that he loves him Joe doesn’t tell Clarissa because he didn’t want her to become involved.  Love is a very random and unpredictable emotion as there are many highs and lows; ...

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