Introduction

                             Welcome to Stuart Fernie’s Blog

Please scroll down or find on the right links to articles, pages of reflections on films and books, and occasional pieces of short fiction.

Articles include discussion of the influence of existentialism in society today, anxiety, professional criteria and essential attributes in teaching, professionalism versus careerism, thoughts on the meaning of "success" and "worth", "Quai des Orfèvres", "Le Corbeau", "The Wages of Fear", advice and questions to assist in the writing of essays about films, thoughts on Proportion and Self-respect, "The Offence", "Trainspotting", "Three Days of the Condor", "Spotlight", "Good Night and Good Luck", "The Count of Monte Cristo" (French version, 2024), "Midnight Express", Jason Bourne, Advocating Arts and Humanities, "Heaven's Gate", "Civil War", "The Ghost and Mrs Muir", "Ad Astra", Duality in 19th century literature, "Living", "Hell in the Pacific", "Point Blank", "Vera Cruz", "Dr Strange in the Multiverse", my interpretation of "Il faut cultiver notre jardin", "Jean de Florette" and "Manon des Sources", "Drive my car", "The Batman", the place of acting in society, thoughts about religion and fate, "The Banshees of Inisherin", "Full Metal Jacket", "The Bishop's Wife", "Moliere", "Les Fleurs du Mal", "Soylent Green", "Bad Day at Black Rock", "The First Great Train Robbery", The Dreyfus Affair, "Persona", "The Seventh Seal", "A Clockwork Orange", "Night Moves", "Lonely are the Brave", "In the heat of the night", "The League of Gentlemen" (1960), thoughts on the nature of film noir, "Star Trek", "Seven Days in May", "Dead Poets Society", "Good Will Hunting", "Callan", "The Hill", "Cool Hand Luke", "The Hustler", "Road to Perdition", "The Verdict", "Three Colour Trilogy", "Jojo Rabbit", "Jeremiah Johnson", "Collateral", "Joker", "Barry Lyndon", "The Bridge at Remagen", "Le Mans '66 (Ford v Ferrari)", Charles Foster Kane ("Citizen Kane"), "The Deer Hunter", "Highlander", "No Country for Old Men", "Gattaca", "The Adventures of Robin Hood"(1938), "Apocalypse Now", "Spartacus", "The Bridge on the River Kwai", "The Long Good Friday", "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", "The Third Man", "Finding Forrester", "The Outlaw Josey Wales", "Untouchable" (2011),"Unforgiven", "The Manchurian Candidate", "The Wild Bunch", "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre", "Papillon" (1973), "Public Eye", "Existentialism in society today", "Seven Samurai", "It's a Wonderful Life", "Don Quixote", "We're No Angels", "The African Queen", "Babette's Feast", "War for the Planet of the Apes", "Dunkirk", “Dances With Wolves”, “Inherit The Wind” and “The Prisoner”. 

A link to my YouTube channel with video presentations of a number of my pages.

After I retired from teaching, I thought I’d write my memoirs, “What have I done?”, and present them online. Please find links to these memoirs, some French support pages and reflections on "Les Misérables" below.

I can be contacted through the comments sections or at stuartfernie@yahoo.co.uk

Other blogs available:

French Support Pages

Discussion of “Les Misérables”

Tales of teaching – memoirs of a former French teacher

All intellectual property rights reserved

The influence of existentialism in society today.

 

Existentialism in society today

 

This piece is one of an occasional series of articles produced

under the banner of “social philosophy”

 

It seems to me that in the wake of the two World Wars there was a general upsurge in the principles of equality, justice, democracy and fraternity. Naturally, changes were far from instantaneous, but the old order (based primarily on class distinction, assumed authority and positions held by members of the upper classes) was challenged and largely overhauled due principally to the fact that members from across the spectrum of society had defended its fundamental values and then participated in its post-war reconstruction.

This may be viewed as a practical embodiment of the philosophy and values upheld by the Enlightenment Movement wherein the principles of equality, reason and accountability are held paramount.

However, as time passed and the direct threat of injustice and subjugation for all mostly subsided, the intense flames of the fight for freedom and notably integrity calmed to mere embers and a large swathe of people have come to adopt an almost existential acceptance of political, social and commercial chicanery, provided the quality of their own lives remains intact or is even improved.

Schemes and conspiracies are frequently conducted behind the scenes, often involving hardship and injustice for many who oil the machinery of commercial enterprises and political machinations, while maintaining a façade of political and commercial correctness and legitimacy which most are more than willing to accept, provided their lives remain unaffected.

As one-time military and political conquests and subjugations have been insidiously replaced by commercial acquisition and financial control, values and principles once considered worth defending are in danger of being invisibly but steadily eradicated, swallowed by an existential fog of self-satisfied apathy and abandonment. Careerism and egotism in the upper echelons of society appear to be steadily replacing professionalism and purpose, yet apparent impassivity, lack of direction and positive action in the realms of government and administration are being recognised and rejected by vociferous minorities and this is evidenced by a trend toward independence, self-determination and civil unrest. This is born of frustration and discontent in the face of apparent inability or unwillingness on the part of governing bodies to tackle ongoing urgent social, political and economic issues, exacerbated by the perception that an influential and often very wealthy minority seems to actually gain through their protraction.

In the past, when people faced common external issues and threats (crushing social injustice leading to the French Revolution, industrialisation and its attendant social pressures and reforms, and attempted subjugation leading to two World Wars), they united to fight for a cause, for values and for a common purpose, reflecting the spirit of the Enlightenment Movement.

However, after the immediate post-war era, there followed a turbulent period in the sixties and seventies, characterised by confrontation over workers’ rights, conditions and wages, social and political upheaval, huge economic pressures and rising unemployment. As a result, there was a return to more conservative and “reassuring” policies in the eighties, involving the re-establishment of traditional working practices and an emphasis on market freedom, and the suggestion that the individual should act in his/her own best interests, with the view that this would strengthen society overall. This philosophy was reflected in the famous line “Greed is good” in the film Wall Street (1987).

Today, it might be said the problems we face are increasingly internal as we encounter political, administrative, financial and socially divisive issues. In general, society appears to have lost the perspective of “the bigger picture” and we focus instead on individual satisfaction, maintaining our own standard of living or making our own way in the society we have built. We appear to be losing sight of values, purpose and the common good, opting instead for a self-centred path toward “success”. This may be said to reflect a somewhat blinkered interpretation of the spirit of existentialism wherein the existence of God, morality and principles are refuted and we are invited to think only of ourselves and the place we can make for ourselves in society.

This attitude has led to inward-looking and defensive governance, administration and law-making which conceal inaction, indifference and lack of comprehension and empathy and this has, in turn, led to frustration and discontent, causing some to want to break away from traditional and accepted styles of government.

However, as I have suggested in other articles, existentialism is not the same as nihilism. If we accept our impact on one another and responsibility for one another, we can achieve far more together than if we limit ourselves to what is best for individuals or small groups with shared interests.

Careerism, self-gratification and a blinkered outlook have insidiously crept in to our political and administrative systems and this has led to many sections of society feeling disenfranchised and willing to pursue change, any change, as an alternative to a system they feel has failed them. That is not, however, a reason to reject the structure itself. Structures and systems can be re-invigorated and re-imagined with fresh, practical and positive ideas put into practice by constructive and conscientious personnel resulting in tangible change and improvement for all instead of apparently incessant discussion and pompous focus on procedure and position resulting in inaction and indolence.

Threat and danger have previously united people in a common cause. Today need be no different, but now the threat lies within our society and the loss of perspective we have developed by encouraging members of society to focus on individual success. We need to develop an awareness of and a sense of responsibility toward others if we are to evolve as a society.

Even if, from an existential perspective, principle, morality and values have no tangible authority, these concepts exist and therefore we can create and adopt worthwhile values when dealing with fellow human beings. Success does not necessarily mean self-serving. While a degree of vanity and pride may be required to inspire or stimulate action, that action should ultimately serve others if it is to have any lasting value, and that precept may be seen as one of the corner-stones of a healthy and enduring society.

 

My thanks for taking the time to read this page. I hope you found it of some value.

 

Stuart Fernie (stuartfernie@yahoo.co.uk)

 

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Anxiety and its reduction

 

Anxiety and its reduction

 

This piece is one of an occasional series of articles produced

under the banner of “social philosophy”

 

Solutions for anxiety may be sought through hypnosis, autosuggestion, therapy and emphasis on positivity. One popular trend is to focus on the present, dismissing errors made in the past and anxieties regarding the future.

However, none of these seems to be entirely reliable or adequate to the task, offering only temporary or partial freedom from fear or anxiety.

One solution worthy of pursuing (it seems to me) is one that may be open to us all and does not require meditation or excessive self-discipline, but it does require self-awareness and a degree of determination.

Anxiety may be based on self-doubt which may then develop into potentially self-fulfilling expectation of failure or difficulty to achieve a task. In turn, self-doubt may be the consequence of regular self-analysis and negative reinforcement as we relive events in our heads and recall errors of judgement or regret concerning things we have said or done.

Some may regard this process as therapeutic, allowing an individual to review and come to terms with events of the past, but I suspect such reflections may also result in the perpetuation of feelings of inadequacy or guilt.

I suggest it is better to make use of past experiences and recognise past mistakes, but rather than relive and possibly perpetuate them, it is better to abstract lessons from these past mistakes and apply them to present and future circumstances. The past cannot be changed but it can influence decisions and perspectives in the present and the future. Focus on the lesson learned rather than the circumstances that led to the lesson.

An imbalance in self-perception and proportion can easily cause negative reinforcement. Catastrophising is common among many people but they need to recognise this as an overreaction and an indulgence of anxiety and negativity, and people need to bring to mind an alternative view or a broader way of perceiving whatever is causing anxiety.

Negative reinforcement of past errors and feelings must cease. Don’t fight the past or try to replace it – simply stop accentuating, aggravating and indulging regret and thoughts of potential failure which may result in feelings of anxiety or fear.

Stop focusing on negative input, memories or thoughts and recall positive experiences, outcomes and successes from the past. Balance needs to be maintained. Fear, anxiety and self-doubt may result from a focus on the negative – recognise achievements from the past and skills you have displayed, and realise that these abilities remain with you. You have not changed or lost capacities – you need to recognise the need for fairness and proportion in your perception of yourself and that means acknowledging positive qualities to outweigh the negative.

By focusing on potential issues rather than maintain a balanced view of a task, you may create the very issues you are imagining. If you have never failed at a task, ask yourself why you should start now, and if you have failed, ask yourself how you can avoid repeating errors. In any case, bear in mind that you retain control of the situation – you need only remain calm and apply what you know or have prepared without disproportionate negative interference.

 

Stuart Fernie (stuartfernie@yahoo.co.uk)

 

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Limitations of professional criteria and essential attributes in teaching

 

Potential limitations of professional criteria and essential attributes

that make a difference in teaching

 

This piece is one of an occasional series of articles produced

under the banner of “social philosophy”

 

While the following article was written with teaching in mind, the points made may well apply to a variety of other professions.

 

In recent years there have been several attempts to sum up, define and prescribe factors that make a “successful” teacher, including elements such as lesson format, structure, content, conduct and evaluation. Samples of these aspects were originally held up as examples of good practice to serve as inspiration but they became, successively, advised, expected and then compulsory. These aspects were readily identifiable, relatively mechanical and often quantifiable, and contributed to a standardised and regulated format which was no doubt intended to spread what was perceived as desirable practice but whose rigid application could equally stifle initiative, individuality and spontaneity.

This regimented approach (also applied to other areas of public service) almost inevitably led to the development of prescribed traits, skills and qualifications to be achieved in order to gain a post. However, strict application of these criteria could also, conceivably, lead to a failure to recognise the work, value and “success” (depending on the definition of this term) of individuals whose particular skills and qualities are not taken in to account in the original listing of variables considered appropriate for the position. Such individuals may not meet the criteria set for “success” in the eyes of the authorities, yet they may have achieved a great deal with their charges. Indeed, it might even be the case that some who lack “essential attributes” or qualifications will more than compensate for this deficiency with other skills and qualities. It is probably a mistake to reduce a highly complex and inherently human undertaking such as teaching to a restricted and prescriptive series of factors to be incorporated and acknowledged in every lesson, and I’m sure the same might be said for a wide variety of professions.

A dogmatic and systematised approach may appeal to those who seek an easy bureaucratic solution to problems or who try to impose an order on things, but it may fail to take in to account attributes such as enthusiasm, willingness to learn, passion, dedication, insight and, perhaps most important, the ability to relate to and engage with others, all of which are virtually indefinable and unquantifiable, yet are recognisable and desirable, and make the difference between the mundane and the memorable or effective and exceptional.

In 2010, concerned about diminishing standards in our education system, David Cameron (then leader of the opposition) seemed to entertain this highly structured and prescriptive approach when he suggested that only those with first class degrees should be allowed to train to become teachers in secondary education. For the first time in my life, I tried to contact an MP (the above-mentioned David Cameron, shortly before he became Prime Minister) to offer my thoughts:

Education is, indeed, one of the cores of our society, and there is much that can be improved within it. However, I must point out that insisting on good academic qualifications for new entrants is likely to do little (if anything) to improve the lot of the country’s pupils.

 

Academic qualifications do not a good teacher make. I totally agree that a teacher must know his/her subject, but that knowledge alone will not imbue a teacher with the skills necessary to transmit that subject or to instil interest and engagement. It is on this area that I suggest you focus attention if you truly wish to make a difference. Too often, teachers can appear superior and distant – accentuating teachers’ academic success only risks increasing that distance and may even attract the “wrong” type of applicant.

 

I quite agree that much needs to be done to restore the perceived value of the teaching profession, but emphasis on academic entrance qualifications is not necessarily the way forward. Much could be done in teacher training and within the curriculum itself – I would say that these aspects merit more urgent scrutiny than mere academic qualification.

 

I am certain I was not alone in suggesting he abandon this proposed policy and, to Mr Cameron’s great credit, this idea was quietly jettisoned.

Criteria, specifications and rules should be regarded as indicators or guidelines – standards offering a direction or a pathway toward an objective. When the letter of the law is adhered to rather than the spirit, limitations and restrictions will ensue and opportunities may be missed. Of course, this means that those who judge must display understanding and insight in their subject area (as opposed to merely following procedures), and must be able to see beyond the immediate in terms of the performance of the candidate.

Several years ago, I met a businessman named Mike, and in the course of a conversation he informed me that when choosing staff he rarely paid a great deal of attention to formal academic qualifications – he was much more interested in what he could glean of candidates’ characters and personal qualities to judge their suitability for a post with him. As a teacher I was accustomed to emphasising the value of qualifications, but I realised that Mike’s broader approach was sensible as, while exam success can indicate strength of character and determination, knowledge and skills can be acquired at various stages and in a variety of places but will always be tools in the hands of character and acumen.

 

My thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope you found it of some value.

Stuart Fernie (stuartfernie@yahoo.co.uk)

 

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Professionalism v. Careerism in society

 

Professionalism v. Careerism in society

This piece is one of an occasional series of articles produced

under the banner of “social philosophy”

It is with great sadness, disappointment and a degree of bitterness that I note the rise of careerism and the decline of professionalism in society.

In my view, professionalism means acting in the best interests of one’s profession and one’s stakeholders (i.e. those members of society who make use of or need professionals). This involves acting to advance the principles on which the profession is based and applying good impartial practice based on experience and reflection, and a genuine desire to seek the best for stakeholders.

Careerism means acting in the best interests of and for the advancement of one’s career. This need not be based on principle, experience, reflection, and a desire to do what is best for stakeholders, but rather involves following the perceived route to “success”, usually for financial gain or to attain a desired position. A careerist may say and do what is necessary to obtain a post but then fail to adhere to the standards prescribed, or may engage in word-play and rationalisation to justify his or her actions rather than offer sound and objective reasoning.

It appears that position has become more important than principle. If those in positions of power and influence choose to exercise authority and control by applying conditions and regulations that are not in keeping with professional values or conflict with views expressed by professionals, these people may justly be called unprofessional or authoritarian.

Discussion, debate, analysis and criticism are to be encouraged in professionalism. Clarity of objective and discussion of the best means to achieve that objective (albeit within certain physical and financial constraints) are essential. To impose conditions or requirements without considered or knowledgeable regard to objective and the best interests of stakeholders, and without consultation of the professionals who deliver these services, may be considered not only unprofessional, but even counter-productive in that the conditions imposed may actually inhibit the advancement of stakeholders, and may detract from existing provision.

Those in a position to make such impositions would do well to remember their primary purpose – to serve a society or community. While there must be financial constraints, the purpose is not to run a profit-making business, but to provide the best service possible for stakeholders. Nor should regulation be imposed on the basis of personal conviction. Those in authority may believe in the righteousness of their policy but a broad and balanced view must be taken and consultation of professionals must be involved.

Of course, with time and a strict application of conditions and regulations, only a rigid and standardised professional framework will remain in place, and initiative, independence, spontaneity and human engagement may all suffer and eventually disappear.

To accept a situation which is clearly disadvantageous to members of a profession and its stakeholders may be considered unprofessional, though a careerist will accept such a situation and may even reinforce it purely in order to further his or her career. As he or she advances through the ranks there will be less opportunity to rectify such situations as there will be fewer individuals available to put forward an alternative and more professional view.

 

My thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope you found it of some value.

Stuart Fernie (stuartfernie@yahoo.co.uk)

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Thoughts on the meaning of “success” and “worth”

 

Notes on the meaning of “success” and “worth”

This piece is one of an occasional series of articles produced

under the banner of “social philosophy”

 

Some years ago, I saw a reality TV programme in which a former popular singer seemed to suggest that the only way to measure success in life was to measure one’s financial wealth. I was stunned that any experienced, reasonably intelligent and now ageing man of the world (he was mid-seventies at the time) could be so obtuse, blinkered and limited in his outlook.

If the sole purpose of a venture is to make money, this may be viewed as a rather shallow and mercenary affair whose primary aim is self-advancement, often using the labour and efforts of others to succeed in this venture. Pride may be taken in quality of product or service but ultimately it may remain somewhat self-serving and short-sighted in scope.

Success can also take the form of realising a burning ambition or attaining a coveted position. Ambition may allow an individual to overcome challenges and achieve great things, and ego may play a healthy part in attaining success, but concentration on a particular outcome and excessive focus on how to achieve that outcome can lead to a blinkered or short-sighted view of life and may not lead to ultimate fulfilment.

A broader perspective may allow an individual to maintain a sense of proportion and to rethink priorities.

Is it truly fulfilling to achieve a goal set merely for personal benefit? Is this the act of one who is ego-driven and narcissistic to the point of failing to consider effects or impact on others? Of course, ego must play a part and respect should be given to one who shows the determination and skill to succeed, but if an act is completely self-serving, does it have the same value as an act that benefits or pleases others as well as oneself?

Equally, if an individual acts purely for the benefit of others, his/her actions will lack value and appreciation as this individual is not making a choice based on the worth of his/her contribution or perhaps he/she has so little self-respect that he/she may feel obliged to serve others.

It appears we may wish to distinguish between “success” and “worth”. Success on its own may be measured in purely financial or business terms, or in terms of personal achievement, while worth may be at least partly defined as a recognition of personal qualities and contributions to a greater whole, or a willingness to help others or perhaps please others in some shape or form.

There are all manner of ways in which to help someone; physical aid, emotional support, revealing a truth or possibly hiding a truth, influence through education and thought, encouragement to aspire to something, and financial support, to name but a few…

In general, the investing of one’s own time, effort or material goods to bring about a positive change in the circumstances, outlook or development of another individual may be considered worthy.

Of course, ego and self-respect must play a part in all of this. Selfless devotion to others may not be appreciated or truly valued. All must learn the value of helpful acts, even those who engage in the acts. Kindness should not be taken for granted and while those receiving kindness should indicate appreciation, those offering kindness have the right to expect it. A simple, sincere “thank you” is perfectly sufficient but the value of kindness should be recognised as such acts are not obligations. They are the result of choices made out of freedom and should be all the more respected and valued for that.

Respect and especially self-respect are essential elements of worth. If a person acts for selfish motives or, indeed, purely to please others, their acts may reasonably be considered less worthy than one who acts to help others but upon reflection of various aspects of the case and upon evaluation of them. An individual should judge the merits of a particular case and any action should be based on reason and consideration of motivation and impact. This process is what gives value to support or action – it is a choice and not an obligation, and should be appreciated all the more because of that.  

 

Stuart Fernie (stuartfernie@yahoo.co.uk)

 

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Characters and themes in “Quai des Orfèvres” (1947)

 

Reflections on “Quai des Orfèvres” (1947)

 directed and written by H.G. Clouzot

starring Louis Jouvet, Suzy Delair, Bernard Blier and Simone Renant.

Ostensibly an investigation into a murder in post-war Paris, “Quai des Orfèvres” is rather an investigation into human nature, character, motivation, responsibility and guilt (or lack of it), morality (or lack of it), justice (or lack of it), ambition, love and survival.

While the immediate context is post-war Paris and a murder in a fairly seedy and run-down area littered with entertainers trying to make a living and underworld figures also trying to survive, the broader thematic context is, in fact, far more telling.

“Film noir” is a term often used to define detective thrillers which challenge or flaunt the traditional view of morality and right and wrong. However, this film is part of a much broader challenge to the traditional view of the fabric of society – existentialism, and Clouzot’s film certainly contains many observations on relationships, human nature and responsibility which entitle it to be considered an existential work.

We are not dealing with high-minded social values in this film – the police are less concerned with justice, than with simply solving another case. There is little or no regret or outrage over the murder of Brignon – he is considered a dirty old man by both the public and the police investigating his death, who may even have deserved his premature end. Characters do what they can to survive and remain fairly detached from the murder and the subsequent investigation, feeling little remorse or involvement.

Jenny Lamour is an ambitious but small-time singer and entertainer who is clearly willing to use her feminine charms to flirt and manipulate her way to success. She is knowing and uses flattery to play on men’s weaknesses, but she discovers she cannot cross a line. She treats life and her career rather like a game or a performance, willing to use a variety of tactics to succeed, but is unwilling (in the end) to do any real harm to achieve success.

Jenny’s husband Maurice is immensely jealous and disapproving of Jenny’s game – he is a straightforward and uncomplicated fellow who sees (along with others) potential risks and dangers that Jenny fails to recognise as she does not take the “game” seriously enough.

Dora Monier is a professional photographer who is a good friend of Maurice, but who clearly has romantic feelings toward Jenny.

Dora does occasional work for Brignon, a dubious character who has many suspicious business interests and who has a liking for semi pornographic photos of young ladies, photos taken by Dora. Jenny sees Brignon’s connections as a means to furthering her career, while Brignon clearly hopes to gain his own advantages from working with Jenny. Understanding Brignon’s intentions, Jenny’s husband Maurice warns Brignon off, threatening him in the process.

The scene is then set for a complex series of interrogations and revelations as Inspector Antoine investigates Brignon’s murder, and we discover the motivations, actions and their consequences of these three main suspects, as well as a car thief named Paulo.

As they are questioned, we see that none of the various characters is keen to inform on the others, accentuating the existential point that each person is entitled to their freedom to act as they wish, provided they do not infringe the freedom or rights of others. Even Brignon, though considered low and unpleasant, is entitled to act as he wishes if others are willing to go along with his schemes. To inform would be to contribute to judgement and perhaps condemnation, something all appear keen to avoid.

Having said that, the main characters’ stories are all interconnected as each character acts to help or protect another and the “truth” would only cause harm to the one they love or care for. The objective truth, and therefore responsibility or guilt, is barely recognised or even considered as each character shields another. Love and friendship, then, count for considerably more than morality and fact.

People simply try to get by or survive in this world. Many of those we encounter belong to the world of the theatre or entertainment – actors who set out to please or appeal to people in order to make a living or get by. Could this be extended to include other members of the community? Do we not all try to please others in order to get by, whether in our everyday jobs or in our lives in general?

Another group of people focused upon are numerous shady underworld characters, people who reject society’s laws and mores to live by their own wits and skills. All appear to be following their natures and do the best they can to survive, using the character and skills with which they were born.

Everyone is innocent and guilty – no-one is seen as outright evil, but each may be open to human weakness, vanity or emotion, all of which cloud reason and clarity of mind leading to muddled or confused acts which they may regret.

In any case, there is no recourse to God, morality, right and wrong or even plain truth – all are willing to twist stories to suit their own ends. Perhaps as a result of this, there appears to be a global dislike and distrust of the police who seek to identify criminals and bring them to “justice”. Not that the police themselves appear devoted to the ideal of justice – Antoine thinks little of the murder victim, but pursues the murderer anyway as he wades through complex layers of lies, deceit and protection. Although hardly fulfilled by his job (he has not been promoted because he has a big mouth and is unwilling to go along with superiors merely in order to gain advancement, thus displaying the socially unpopular trait of independent thought), Antoine persists in seeking the truth – perhaps he also is merely following his nature and is doing what he needs to do to survive.

Everyone is connected as lives and events cross one another and impact on one another, usually because of emotion and humanity.

Even the hardened detectives encourage Maurice to plead guilty and claim a crime of passion, thereby diminishing the gravity of the offence (or at least offering compassion and understanding). They all understand his motives and want to close their case – they just want to go home and get on with their lives.

All appear worn down by life, yet retain the capacity for humanity. Antoine is “humanised” and fulfilled by his son, the result of his time in the colonies, yet he appears to hold Jenny in contempt for her uncontrolled ambition and the resultant consequences for all involved. He walks past a semi naked show girl without batting an eye, but appears to hold Dora in high regard. When Maurice is at his lowest ebb and chats with a girl in the cell next door, she seems hardened, uncaring and disillusioned, yet screams when she realises he has attempted suicide. Maurice and Dora acted to protect Jenny despite being treated relatively badly by her – we are all capable of acts of humanity and kindness despite being worn down by life, but ultimately it is our humanity that motivates us, not thoughts of religion, morality or God.

In the end, we discover the truth behind the murder but in fact we have discovered a great deal more about human nature, relationships and motives along the way.

 

 

My thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope you found it of some value.

 

Stuart Fernie (stuartfernie@yahoo.co.uk)

 

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