A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh

Overview

• Publication: 1934
• Genre: Tragedy, satire, dark comedy
• Narrative Style: Third-person omniscient narrator
• Setting: 20th century England

Main Characters

• John Beaver: 25-year-old living with his mother in London; unemployed after working at an advertising agency.
• Tony Last: Aspires to restore Hetton Abbey to its former glory; unaware of his family's issues.
• Brenda Last: Tony’s wife; discontent with her life at Hetton Abbey; becomes involved with John Beaver.
• John Andrew: Son of Tony and Brenda; dies in a tragic accident.

Plot Summary

• John Beaver’s Lifestyle: Lives with his mother, waiting for dinner invitations; plans to visit Tony Last.
• Tony and Brenda's Marriage: Tony desires to restore Hetton Abbey; Brenda is bored and falls for John Beaver.
• Brenda's Affair: She begins an affair with Beaver, spending more time in London.
• Tony’s Unawareness: Tony remains oblivious to Brenda's dissatisfaction and his son's growing independence.
• Tragic Accident: John Andrew dies in a hunting accident while Tony is away.
• Brenda's Reaction: She leaves Tony, seeks a divorce, and declares love for Beaver.
• Divorce Complications: Tony fakes an affair for divorce; Brenda demands an unsustainable alimony.

Tony’s Exploration

• Journey to Brazil: Tony escapes to an expedition to Brazil, seeking a lost civilization.
• Misfortunes in the Jungle: Tony's companion Dr. Messenger dies; Tony falls ill and becomes captive of Mr. Todd.
• Mr. Todd’s Control: Tony is trapped, forced to read Dickens to Todd for life.

Aftermath

• Brenda's Outcome: Abandoned by Beaver; believes herself widowed and marries Jock Grant-Menzies.
• Legacy of Hetton Abbey: Passed to Tony's cousins; Teddy hopes to restore it to its former glory.

Themes and Analysis

• Societal Decline: Reflects post-WWI changes in England; highlights superficial values of modern society.
• Marriage and Betrayal: Explores the decline of Tony and Brenda’s relationship; critiques lack of commitment.
• Cultural Shifts: Contrasts traditional values with modern allure; depicts loss of religious faith and societal duty.
• Symbolism of Hetton Abbey: Represents futile attempts to modernize historical relics.
• Character Contrasts: Tony's outdated values versus Brenda's modern desires.

Conclusion

• Tony’s Downfall: Represents the loss of traditional English values and personal freedom.
• Critique of Modern Society: Waugh criticizes the empty pursuits and moral decline of the upper class.

Significance

• Literary Impact: A Handful of Dust is notable for its sharp critique of societal norms and its portrayal of personal and cultural decay.