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The Roll-Call
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More by Arnold Bennett
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A clearer way to understand The Roll-Call through themes, characters, and key ideas
This reading guide highlights what stands out in The Roll-Call through 4 core themes, 2 character profiles. It is meant to help readers decide whether the book fits their taste and deepen the reading once they begin.
About this book
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What the book is doing
Arnold Bennett's "The Roll-Call" serves as a continuation of the Clayhanger series, though it shifts focus to George Cannon, Hilda Lessways's first husband. The novel meticulously chronicles Cannon's journey as an ambitious young architect from the industrial 'Five Towns' to the bustling, competitive world of London in the early 20th century. It explores his struggles with professional success, his complex personal relationships, including his marriage to Hilda, and his internal quest for identity and meaning amidst societal pressures. Bennett masterfully paints a portrait of a man grappling with disillusionment, the constraints of social class, and the evolving landscape of modern life, culminating in his experiences during the Great War.
Key Themes
Ambition vs. Reality
The novel meticulously charts George Cannon's ambitious pursuit of an architectural career in London and the harsh realities he faces. It explores how youthful idealism clashes with the competitive, often unfair, professional world, leading to disillusionment and a re-evaluation of what constitutes success.
Social Class and Mobility
Bennett examines the subtle yet powerful influence of social class on George Cannon's life and career. Moving from the industrial Five Towns to metropolitan London, George navigates different social circles, encountering both the advantages and barriers imposed by his background and connections, or lack thereof.
“"He had always been a solitary, even in the midst of his family, and London accentuated this quality, forcing him to rely on his own resilience."”
How does George Cannon's ambition evolve throughout the novel, and what does Bennett suggest about the nature of ambition itself?
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