Book Review Summary: The Beguiled

Introduction

"The Beguiled" is a novel written by Thomas Cullinan, published in 1966. Set during the height of the American Civil War, the story revolves around a group of women and girls who find themselves isolated in a schoolhouse in Virginia. When a wounded Union soldier, Corporal John McBurney, is discovered in the woods, he sets about manipulating the women in the house, eliciting their love, fear, and infatuation. As the story progresses, the women's true nature is revealed, and a sense of ominous foreboding descends upon the soldier. The question remains: who is the beguiled?

About Thomas Cullinan

Thomas Cullinan, born on November 4, 1919, was an American author and playwright. He graduated from Cathedral Latin High School in 1938 and attended Western Reserve University for three years. After leaving Western Reserve, he worked as a roofing salesman for several years. In 1945, he started working for the Cleveland Plain Dealer where he worked in the accounting department. In 1957, he left the Plain Dealer and began writing for television station KYW Channel 3's weekly television series titled "Breakthrough," a program which examined the lives of famous scientists. Throughout his career, Cullinan wrote various radio commercials, industrial films, documentaries, and television scripts. In the early part of his career, he concentrated on playwriting. His early plays include "St. Columkille's Eve," "Native Shore," "Maddigans Wedding," and "First Warm Day of Spring." His greatest commercial successes were "Mrs. Lincoln," which was produced by the Cleveland Play House in 1968, and "The Black Horse Tavern," produced in 1976. He was the winner of several awards, including the Cleveland Arts Prize in 1971 and two Ford Foundation grants. The first grant allowed him to spend six months in Berlin as part of the Literarisches Colloquium, while the second grant sent him to the University of Utah for one year as a playwright-in-residence. Cullinan's emphasis shifted to writing novels later in his career, with "The Beguiled" being one of his most notable works. He passed away on June 11, 1995, leaving behind a legacy of captivating stories.

Analysis of Views

1. Engrossing and Psychologically Tense: Many readers found "The Beguiled" to be a page-turner with a strong sense of psychological tension. The alternating points of view from different female characters added depth to the story and kept readers engaged. The gradual reveal of each character's true nature added to the suspense and kept readers guessing until the end.

2. Multiple Perspectives: The use of multiple perspectives from different female characters was praised by many readers. It provided a more complete picture of the events unfolding and allowed readers to see how each character interpreted and reacted to the situation differently. This approach added complexity to the story and made it more engaging.

3. Unreliable Narration: The unreliable narration in "The Beguiled" was a key element that contributed to its psychological tension. Readers found it intriguing to see how each character's perspective colored their understanding of events. The fact that none of them could be trusted added an element of uncertainty and kept readers on edge.

4. Southern Gothic Atmosphere: The setting of "The Beguiled" in Virginia during the American Civil War added a Southern Gothic atmosphere to the story. Readers appreciated the author's ability to capture the isolation and paranoia that pervaded the era. The Gothic elements, such as the dilapidated schoolhouse and the mysterious events that unfolded, added to the overall eerie atmosphere of the novel.

5. Character Development: The characters in "The Beguiled" were well-developed and complex. Readers appreciated how each character had their own motivations and flaws, which made them relatable and compelling. The gradual reveal of their true nature added depth to their characters and made them more intriguing.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Engrossing Plot: "The Beguiled" offers an engrossing plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The alternating perspectives from different female characters add depth and complexity to the story, making it a page-turner that is difficult to put down.

2. Psychological Tension: The psychological tension in "The Beguiled" is palpable throughout the novel. The unreliable narration and gradual reveal of each character's true nature create a sense of uncertainty and keep readers on edge. This element adds an extra layer of suspense to an already captivating story.

3. Southern Gothic Atmosphere: The Southern Gothic atmosphere of "The Beguiled" adds an eerie and atmospheric element to the story. The dilapidated schoolhouse and mysterious events that unfold create a sense of unease that readers find intriguing. This atmosphere adds depth to the overall narrative and enhances the reading experience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Slow Pacing: Some readers found "The Beguiled" to be slow-paced, particularly in certain sections where details and repetition seemed unnecessary. The lengthy descriptions and repetitive dialogue could detract from the overall reading experience for some readers.

2. Lack of Clear Resolution: A few readers felt that "The Beguiled" lacked a clear resolution or conclusion. They felt that certain events were left unresolved or open to interpretation, which could leave readers feeling unsatisfied with the ending. While this ambiguity adds depth to the story, it may not appeal to all readers who prefer clear resolutions in their narratives.

Conclusion

"The Beguiled" by Thomas Cullinan is a novel that captivates readers with its engrossing plot, psychological tension, and Southern Gothic atmosphere. Through alternating perspectives from different female characters, Cullinan creates a sense of uncertainty and keeps readers guessing until the end. While some readers found it slow-paced and lacking clear resolutions, others found it to be a page-turner that kept them hooked until the very end. Overall, "The Beguiled" offers a captivating exploration of human nature and relationships set against a backdrop of isolation and paranoia during the American Civil War era.