Evelyn Waugh is one of the most complex characters in the history of British authors. Before Waugh was successful with Decline and Fall as a writer he ran through a development influenced by professional and religious struggles. Working at different opportunities as teacher, painter or writer he did at first not want to get serious about his artistic career. Only with the success of Decline and Fall around the year 1929 he made the final step to become a respected author. Waugh’s growing religious interest in Catholicism had a significant influence in his ongoing literary work. Christopher Sykes goes in his biography of Evelyn Waugh as far as to claim that his faith was the fundamental feature for his aesthetic creating: "Waugh’s adoption of Catholicism virtually completed the development of his aesthetic".
In his later career Waugh established his works as important Catholic novels. Therefore they are often discussed in relation to his personal religious background. Waugh’s first published book Decline and Fall is certainly no religious work. Thereby it holds a special position in his artistic career written right before Waugh’s conversion to Roman Catholic belief. This sets Decline and Fall in an outstanding relation to Waugh’s faith what makes the book very interesting to discuss in respect to religious issues.
Over this term paper will now be discussed how Waugh’s religious affection had an impact on Decline and Fall. Remarkable steps are Waugh’s youth and school education as well as the broken marriage with his first wife. These themes are presented chronologically before Evelyn Waugh’s motivation for his conversion is discussed in detail. Followed by the examination of Decline and Fall about religious influences by the author the discussion ends with the conclusion that his strong Catholic faith helped Waugh to become the extraordinary author he was. Presupposed is the knowledge of the book and Waugh’s basic vita.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Switchback to Catholic belief
- Youth and School
- The twenties
- Conversion to Roman Catholicism
- Decline and Fall
- Reception of Decline and Fall
- Catholicism and Faith
- Main Character
- Minor Characters
- Static vs. Dynamic characters
- Discussion about personal impact
- Doubts and Parallels
- Conclusion and forecast
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper explores the impact of Evelyn Waugh's religious beliefs on his novel, Decline and Fall. It examines his early life and education, his conversion to Roman Catholicism, and how these experiences influenced his writing. The paper also discusses how Waugh's Catholic faith contributed to his success as an author.
- Evelyn Waugh's conversion to Roman Catholicism
- The influence of faith on Waugh's writing
- The role of Decline and Fall in Waugh's literary career
- The relationship between Waugh's personal life and his work
- Waugh's perspective on religion, morality, and society
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces Evelyn Waugh and his significant position in the history of British literature. It highlights the influence of his religious struggles on his artistic development, particularly the impact of his conversion to Catholicism on his literary work. The chapter sets the stage for a discussion on how Waugh's religious beliefs shaped his novel, Decline and Fall.
- Switchback to Catholic belief: This chapter delves into Evelyn Waugh's journey back to Catholicism, examining his early life, his family's religious background, and his education at Lancing College. It explores the factors that led to his initial loss of faith and the events that prompted his return to religion.
- Youth and School: This chapter focuses on Evelyn Waugh's early life and education, highlighting his family's strong religious upbringing and his initial commitment to Christianity. It explores the influence of Lancing College, where he encountered challenges to his faith and eventually declared himself an atheist.
- The twenties: This chapter examines Evelyn Waugh's period of experimentation and exploration after college, characterized by his involvement in various professions, including teaching, painting, and writing. It discusses his relationship with his first wife, Evelyn Gardner, and his growing disillusionment with a life devoid of faith.
- Conversion to Roman Catholicism: This chapter details Evelyn Waugh's conversion to Roman Catholicism, focusing on the pivotal role of Gwen Plunket-Greene and Father Martin D'Arcy. It explores Waugh's intellectual and emotional journey towards Catholicism, his rigorous examination of Catholic doctrine, and his eventual acceptance of the Catholic faith as the only true religion.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This preview focuses on Evelyn Waugh, Roman Catholicism, religious conversion, Decline and Fall, faith, satire, British literature, literary career, personal life, artistic development, and the influence of faith on writing.
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- Lisa Hyna (Autor:in), 2012, Evelyn Waugh's catholicism. His temporal religious attitude in comparison to "Decline and Fall", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/442619
