The Vivisector
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| Author | Patrick White |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Novel |
| Publisher | Penguin Books |
| Released | 1970 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 617 pp |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-14-003693-8 |
| Preceded by | The Eye of the Storm |
| Followed by | The Solid Mandala |
The Vivisector is a novel by Patrick White, first published in 1970. It details the lifelong creative journey of fictional artist/painter Hurtle Duffield. Named for its sometimes cruel analysis of Duffield and the major figures in his life, the book explores universal themes like the suffering of the artist, the need for truth and the meaning of existence.
[edit] Plot summary
Hurtle Duffield is born into a poor family who adopt him out to the wealthy Courtneys, who are seeking a companion for their hunchbacked daughter Rhoda. The all-knowing, precocious Hurtle gains artistic inspiration from Mamman (his adoptive mother) and Rhoda, and this is a recurring theme that continues throughout the novel using later characters, the prostitute Nance, wealthy heiress Olivia Davenport, Greek mistress Hero Pavoussi and finally the child prodigy Kathy Volkov. He becomes quite famous and his paintings sell well, however he is largely unconcerned about the monetary and status gains this brings and continues to live a spartan life, beholden to nobody - even the Prime Minister. After a stroke causes partial paralysis, Duffield is drawn closer to sister Rhoda and reinvigorated to produce a huge, final magnum opus to God, accompanied by his psychopomp Don Lethbridge.
[edit] External sources
- The novel has been extensively discussed by the Patrick White Readers' Group.
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