The Alexandria Quartet: Realm behind the Mirrors

Bc. Eva Petlachová

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Lawrence Durrells The Alexandria Quartet is an experimental novel based on the principle of the game of mirrors showing the same subject from the multiple points of view. Each volume of the tetralogy deals with the story from a different perspective. The first three parts are to be deployed spatially and are not linked in a serial form. They interlap, interweave in a spatial relation. The fourth part alone represents time and is a true sequel. It examines a great range of affairs among a leisured community of artists, diplomats and writers of Alexandria around the time of the Second World War. The Quartet is principally an investigation of modern love. In it Durrell applies the principles of Einsteinian time, trying to create the idea of a continuum of words. The city of Alexandria is not just a mere setting of the novel; it has an enormous power over its inhabitants and affects the lives and behaviour of the characters. Here Durrell represents the Groddeckian theory of the spirit of place, of the overwhelming force residing in each place. The actual theme of The Alexandria Quartet is the theme of art and the role of an artist. It has been said that in this novel Durrell reinvented the modern novel.

Keywords

The Alexanria Quartet, Lawrence Durrell, game of mirrors, heraldic universe, investigation of modern love

Language used: Czech

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 1. 9. 2006

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 23. 1. 2006

Masaryk University

Faculty of Arts

Bachelor programme / field:
Philology / English Language and Literature