Life Class Post 2

The post this week is going to focus on the character development of not only Paul but also of the new characters we are beginning to meet. Not only do we see how Paul is reavling his true colors but we are also introduced to some main, interesting characters. One of these character's is Elinor Brooke. She is an aulluring female student who Paul seems very interested in. He describes her ways as ""the treatment"-by which he meant the air of intamacy Elinor created between her self and any man she talked to"(Barker 15). This description of Elinor demonstrates the kind of person she is, and how Paul is infatuated with her. I'm really hoping that they get together because Paul seems very lonley and even though Elinor may seem like a very flirtatious woman there are signs that show she has a little something extra for Paul.

The develpement of Elinor will become more apperent as I continue reading however, we are not only introduced to Elinor but also to her friend Teresa Halliday. Barker describes her as, " She was dark, with short shiny hair, high cheekbones, and red, painted, pouting lips." (18). We can see that Paul is obviously attracted to her as well and it makes us wonder who he is more attracted to. Teresa is a very intersting charater who alsmost immediatly describes her life, how she is a modle for the arts school, and her crazy drunk of a husband who she plans to seperate from is stalking her. Furthermore, we are also introduced to Kit Neville who was kicked out of the art school but still hangs around and is begining to become famous. He has an intersting relationship with Tereasa and it makes me wonder if the two have past history. Hopefully as these charactor develop we are able to better understand thier actions and grow attatched to them as characters.

Life Class Post 1

So far in the book, Life Class, by Pat Barker we have met the interesting character of Paul. He is a young student at the art school of Slade during 1914. He seems to be a very opinionated and honest character, yet with a bit of temper. We see this temper when he storms out of his "Life Class" at Slade because he is frustrated with his work. Barker states, "He shouted, though he hadn't meant to. All around people were turning to stare at him. Without giving Tonks a chance to reply, he through down his pencil and walked out"(6). It is evident here that the character of Paul is one with a short fuse. This quote also gives further insight to how Paul is passionate because he cares so much for his work, and improving on what he has done, that when he feels it is insufficient it distresses him very much.  However, although our first impression of Paul is one of a tempered, perfectionist it is later revealed throughout the chapter that he is also kind an honest. When Paul sees a young girl, drunk, being persuaded by a strange man he stands up for her although he does not know her. Paul tells the man to back of and throws the man's silver headed cane into the lake. Barker describes this as, " In a final burst of exhileration, he sent the cane whirling in a broad arc over the lake, it's silver knob flashing in the sun"(11). This random act of kindness twards a unknown girl demonstrates to the reader that Paul is one of honesty and ingerity, not only anger.