Three Greek Islands: A Literary Interpretation by Lawrence Durrell
Graduation Date
Spring 1986
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program Name
Humanities
Abstract
Firstly, it is the purpose of this thesis to examine these works individually for qualities that make each unique, each worthy of literary consideration. In Prospero’s Cell there is a magical quality to the landscape on Corfu and an innocence in the quality of life. Reflections on a Marine Venus is embedded with the harshness and difficulties, the postwar struggle on Rhodes contrasted with the author s elation at once being again in Greece. Bitter Lemons reveals the tragedy of the political immaturity of the Cypriots and the inherent problems of colonialism. But primarily it is an unfolding analysis of the author s anguish, torn as he is between his love of an island, now inflamed by irrational political passions, and his sense of duty to the British authorities and the dictates of his own reason.
Secondly, I wish to discuss the thematic material which unites all three works. In each of these works about Greece, the home Durrell makes for himself becomes a focus of attention, a symbol for him that he is indeed part of that particular island. At the same time, enthusiastic expatriot that he is, his sense of being English is always a part of his sense of identity.
-Thesis except-