task: “1923 – Olivia’s Story”

pp. 147-149

• Comment on the Nawab’s attitude to Olivia’s baby.

• Explain Olivia’s decision to have an abortion.

• What role does Harry play in this section, and what do we learn about this character?

//comment

//Olivia’s decision

Olivia seems to be alarmed about her baby’s birth. By thinking about an abortion, one thing becomes clear: she doesn’t want to offend Douglas’ feelings towards her. She continues reporting about Douglas making plans and arrangements for the ‘great’ day, about him romancing and so on – but in the aftermath she beseechs Harry to help her.

//”What about Harry?”

In this section, several characteristic traits of Harry become are conveyed. He’s in a quite bad mood -

“The resulting air of sadness matched Harry’s mood. (p. 147, l.25)“

so the whole situation seems to affect him deeply.