Discovery of self, redemption and satisfaction

My perception of Amory Blaine has softened in the closing pages of the novel. The closing chapters feature a more compassionate Amory Blaine that was somewhat absent in the opening chapters. His decision to put himself at the risk of prosecution for Alec is a heroic deed that was so unexpected, and probably the high point of Blaine in the novel. Blaine gives us the impression that he is no longer the self-conceited personnel we made him to be, and we gain a degree of likeability towards Blaine as a result of his actions. Amory demonstrates that he is capable of considering others and that Alec has more to lose than he does is a testament to his progression as a character throughout the novel.

The closing chapters have also made me feel somewhat sympathetic towards Blaine in wake of the unfortunate string of events that occur whereby Blaine discovers that Rosalind is engaged, Blaine’s guardian figure Monsignor Darcy has passed away and that his family’s investments will no longer be able to provide him with income. The loss of Rosalind and Darcy from Blaine’s life is significant as they were the two characters that Blaine shared deep connections with. We commiserate his loss, as it seems as if Blaine has lost all that he ever cared for and has little to look forward to in life. Such casualties seem harsh even for an unlikeable character such as Blaine.

The departure of Rosalind and Darcy is the turning point of Blaine’s life, the point of maturity when he discovers who he truly is as a person and is able to reflect on his life, his actions, and what he wants from life. Blaine is like Gatsby and the green light, there is always some hope that Rosalind will eventually reconcile with him and when that door closes he has little left to live for. Darcy similarly is his mentor in life, and as Blaine describes it he was someone who people “depended” on. The loss of these characters leaves Blaine lonely, and vulnerable. The feeling of isolation is what I believe enables him to analyse the continual downfalls he experiences in each stage of his life.

So to what degree does the ending of this novel satisfy us? It is pleasing to see that Blaine has finally found some form of self-identity, as his concluding line “I know myself, but that is all” indicates. We revel in the fact that he is at least aware of his selfish nature and is willing to admit to it, but his unwillingness to change this unpleasant characteristic is not so satisfying. Blaine’s comment that “that is all” also leaves the book loose-ended and open to speculation. Although he may have found out who he is, it brings into question where does Blaine go from here? Is there any use in being conscious of our self-identity? I would argue that Blaine’s search for self-identity was a fruitless expedition, as he retains no sense of direction of life and has not found his purpose of life.