In My Father’s Den Maurice Gee Written Text Study: Novel

Key elements of the Structure and Style.

How is the novel organised? The novel is structured around a double narrative time scheme, running autobiographical past recollections and the narrative present action alongside each other. 6 days in the ‘present’ (1969) - a kind of psychological crime thriller. 5 flashbacks to past: covering the years from Paul’s childhood to the present. A Prologue acts as a catalyst for Paul to look back into his past. The Epilogue reveals how little Paul has changed and is very low key, in contrast to Prologue. Events unfold in a rising and falling action as tensions rise, Paul comes into conflict with himself and other characters, and turning points occur as the murder is investigated and Paul uncovers the truth. Foreshadowing is an important technique – the flashbacks signal important ‘clues’ to the present.

What is the setting? Historical: 1928 – Social: Wadesville; rural town, New Zealand; near Auckland; ‘closed’ community; families with strong religious and traditional moral values. Physical = fictional town: as a pre-war rural backwater, and as a semi-industrialised Auckland suburb.

The novel centres on the intellectual friendship between the schoolteacher Paul Prior and his pupil Celia Inverarity. Who are the main characters?

First person ‘autobiographical’ narrative. Paul, the main character, ‘shows off’ in a witty way that he is an ‘intellectual’ but he also comes across as having a not-so-praiseworthy self- centred ‘I love myself because I’m so clever’ attitude. Paul’s narrative voice – the kind of man he has become - is a critical element in conveying important themes. What is the main point of view?

What does Gee do with his characters? Paul and other main characters e.g. Andrew, Celia, are emotionally complex and have distinct personalities - quite individualised. They are searching for meaning and a sense of resolution in their lives. They have problems finding peace because of their own flaws and limitations. Gee’s world is suffused with a sense of loss, disappointment and failure…it’s a tragedy for at least three people.

Carefully crafted parallel structure. Carefully crafted first person narrative voice. Formal, educated diction as well as blunt, colloquial New Zealand dialogue. Tonal variation. Dialogue is a tool for ironic social comment and characterisation. What can we say about the style?

How do we ‘read’ this novel 30 years after it was published? (Positioning of the reader) A bit melodramatic – the subplot of Andrew and Penelope; the ending Too much religious fervour acts as a form of oppression of the individual - Andrew, Mother It was a dysfunctional family It’s a story of secrets It’s a coming-of-age story New Zealand has changed and children have more ‘rights’ but we still have a sense of what is right and worry about our high violence statistics, especially young men and family violence.

What are the main themes in the novel?  Control - the impact of repressive moral and religious values on children and the adults they become. Paul and Andrew, Jonathan, Celia.  The New Zealand male as a loner who rejects emotional intimacy as a sign of ‘weakness’. Paul.  How the past impacts on the present – in our attitudes, feelings, and behaviours. Paul, Andrew, Joyce.  New Zealand society and its Protestant ethics in the 1930s – 1960s. The ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ ways to behave, Mother, Celia.  Letting go of the past, forgiveness. Paul, Andrew.