There is a parallel plot justifying 'emotional justice' followed by 'unconditional love' in the novel. On the one hand the love between Joe and Clarissa is devotional, whereas on the other hand, relationship between Joe and Jed adds elements of being obsessive, tremendously homoerotic and with continuous stalking affects. Joe gets extremely stressed by Jed’s behavior and tries every possible limit to prove his attachment with Clarissa. He loved Clarissa t the core and understands that without her he cannot have a smooth life. However, at some point of time he also offered his warm sympathetic shoulder to Jed. It is here that Jed started taking Joe for granted. Being a patient of de Clerambault's syndrome, Jed turns obsessive for Joe. To some extent we can blame Joe letting Jed get into his life. Even Clarissa got offended by this. Joe though was not deliberate in indulging Jed, yet his contributions cannot be ignored. To a great extent the Joe is also responsible in making Jed go obsessed for him.
The relationship between Joe and Jed definitely is the core content around which the entire novel revolves. They represented the sense of obsessive love and split personality in individual. Joe always loved Clarissa, but he was also much attracted by Jed sensuous image. He may not have loved Jed but definitely desired her. Jed got this message very clear and thus tried to make her space in Joe’s life. She threatens Clarissa and adds all kinds of nuisance to their relationship. It is the craftsmanship of McEwan that makesthis subplot so interesting and grasping for the reader. Without this relationship between Joe and Jed the novel would not have been so engrossing.
In "Enduring Love", how does McEwan tell the story in Chapter 10?
With first person narrative style in Chapter 10, ‘Firelight and stars so bright...’ of "Enduring Love" by McEwan, there is a personal touch to the story. With phrases like “fire-grilled fish straight off a banana leaf” the narration adds the touch of country to the plot. There is a continuity of self realization. McEwan is very particular about the scenic beauty and thus uses every element to bring in the nature of the backdrop.
The dialogues between the characters are very casual and we can well make out the sense of intimacy between them. The environment has been well created as per the moods of the character, or we can say that it compliments their urges. There is a regular inclination between them and as they assure their existence they affirms compatibility. The words were narrated and structured n much poetical way. As in
"I have never in my life seen someone so beautiful. Since I met you, you haven’t left my mind. Not for one second. Your eyes are the most captivating; full of fire and sincerity with a touch of innocence."
we can well feel the romance and the spontaneous feelings among their instinctive demands. There is a blend of romantic essence added by enough room for mixed feelings. As the McEwan makes his characters speak, he let them talk with all ease. In the words, ‘I felt a mixture of emotions. Mostly I felt anger’, there is the sense of guilt and need. Though the author respects genuine love, he also provides his characters with ironical aspects of getting attracted to another one. The narrations related to the way of soft ‘kisses’ and mischievous acts make the chapter very interesting. With satirical approaches, the narrator gives the characters short and spicy words. It is very interesting to see how the characters get involved in each other’s eyes, yet not exactly ready to accept their weakness.
McEwan is very simple with his narrative techniques. He makes the reader feel the transparency in the language. Use of metaphor and satire are his forte and it helps in making this chapter very attractive. As the characters converse there is a continuous shift from the level of friendship to hardcore sensuous attractiveness. However, the author adds some elements of stoppage to give privilege to the idea of 'emotional justice'. Though he encourages the thematic approach of ‘unconditional love’ he never leaves any stone unturned to justify the demands of human moral expectations. This can be found in the words
I wanted to feel his lips moving against mine in a sinful way.
There are strong impacts of serious languages in the Chapter. As the title suggests ‘Firelight and stars so bright...’, McEwan adds the elements of firelights in his characters. The issues of passion, physical attractions and hardcore sensuous love are used in a very direct way. Though McEwan used metaphors to declare natural beauties, he leaves natural instincts to come in a raw way. This is the charm of McEwan’s narration, that makes the reader feel the ‘firelight’ inside in a metaphoric way.