Enduring Love by Ian McEwan essay. Compare the narrative of Appendix 1 with Appendix 2.

In contrast to Appendix 1, Appendix 2 portrays the emotions behind Jed Parry’s condition, rather than the facts. This appendix is written in clear letter form and similarly to the previous appendix brings Joe and Jed’s situation to life. McEwan chose to write his last appendix in letter form to allow the narrative to intensify quickly and lets the audience create or change their views on certain situations. Unlike his previous appendix, McEwan opts for letter form to portray and reveal the personality of the writer. The letter begins with ‘Tuesday, Dear Joe…’ this suggests that McEwan’s last appendix could also be a diary entry from the patient himself. Appendix 2 is structured as a conventional letter with a beginning and ending. The punctuation and sentence structure used, in contrast to McEwan’s first appendix, is very short and to the point, and full of emotion. The punctuation in this appendix shows the audience Jed’s state of mind and reflects the torment he is experiencing. The choice of using this form and structure for appendix 2 creates a tense and shocking effect on the reader. McEwan has ensured that his narrative techniques are full of emotion and link back to the theme of enduring love.

The language used in Appendix 1 is very formal and detached; it is written in third person and supports the form and structure of a report. McEwan chooses to use objective scientific language, which after an emotionally charged novel comes as a shock. ‘Questioned in interview about his erotic ambitions with regard to R, P was evasive and even offended.’ This statement in appendix 1 is a clear example of a very formal and detached choice of diction to describe the life changing events that are happening. Parry’s obsession is described as ‘erotic ambitions’ this suggests that Parry’s condition is merely sex driven and is looked at as a job or emotionally detached situation. The use of ‘R’ and ‘P’ when referring to McEwan’s two characters also supports the formality and detached theme. To avoid using the names of the characters supports the report form and intends for there to be no emotion in this situation just very factual. From the choice of language in this appendix the audience are unable to relate to the characters and are only able to learn of the condition. McEwan’s choice of lexis reflects Joe’s character; throughout the novel Joe uses scientific language as a consoling factor to distance himself from emotion. This is mirrored in appendix 1 as there is only scientific and very formal language used with no emotion behind it. Alternatively, the language used in McEwan’s last appendix is presented as an emotional voice and is very personal as it conveys Jed’s character to the audience. The colloquial language used enables the audience to understand Jed’s motivation and true emotions behind the events that have happened throughout the novel. ‘The old tears streaming’ this is evident that the language in this letter is full of emotion and honest feelings. The tears Jed has shed being referred to as ‘old’ suggests that his feelings about Joe are still very present. McEwan has cleverly used this choice of language to add a sense of thrill and terror; it informs the reader that Jed’s love to Joe is definitely still enduring. The language used throughout Appendix 2 in contrast to appendix 1 is very emotionally charged and is a wall of deluded words that no one can break. The reader knows that Parry has not ceased to exist; he still continues to linger as an ever threatening presence. Unlike Appendix 1, McEwan’s last appendix allows the reader to understand the characters feelings and perspective and may make the reader to sympathise with the character. This final appendix shows the reader that Joe can never feel safe when Parry is still obsessed with him.  The final words of the letter are ‘faith’ and ‘joy’ these words are normally presented as positive connotations, but in this context are terrifying. The choice of language in this appendix are not satisfying to the reader, even though in contrast to the first appendix they are full of emotion but it leaves the reader feeling disturbed, confused and chilled.

Enduring Love is not a conventional book and does not follow the three parts; beginning middle and end, however McEwan is not a conventional writer. The appendices used in Enduring love have great relevance to the rest of the novel and McEwan’s characters. The appendices compliment the unconventional novel as the uncertainty of beginnings and endings play a key role throughout the novel. I believe that Ian McEwan is aware that a ‘light-hearted’ ending would not suit this dark and sinister novel, but by adding appendices it adds authenticity and a thrilling ending to this compelling novel.