One-line Summary:

In “The Go-Between,” a young boy becomes entangled in a web of secrets and forbidden love during a summer visit to a wealthy family’s estate in 1900s England.

“The Go-Between” is a captivating novel written by L.P. Hartley that explores themes of innocence, class, and the destructive power of secrets. Set in the early 1900s, the story follows Leo Colston, a young boy who is invited to spend the summer at Brandham Hall, the estate of his wealthy school friend, Marcus Maudsley. As Leo arrives at the grand house, he is immediately captivated by the opulence and beauty of the surroundings.

The Allure of Forbidden Love:

Leo soon finds himself caught in the middle of a forbidden love affair between Marcus’s older sister, Marian, and a local farmer named Ted Burgess. As the go-between for their secret messages and rendezvous, Leo becomes an unwitting participant in their affair. Initially, Leo is innocent and unaware of the true nature of their relationship, but as the summer progresses, he begins to understand the complexity and consequences of their actions.

Leo’s naivety and desire to please others make him an ideal pawn in the game of love and deceit. He becomes infatuated with Marian, who manipulates him into delivering messages to Ted. Leo’s innocence is gradually eroded as he becomes more entangled in their affair, and he begins to question his own role in their deception.

The Destructive Power of Secrets:

Throughout the novel, secrets play a central role in shaping the characters’ lives. Marian and Ted’s forbidden love must be kept hidden from society due to their difference in social status. Leo, too, carries a secret burden as he struggles with his role as the go-between. The weight of these secrets becomes increasingly unbearable for Leo, leading to a tragic climax that forever changes the course of his life.

As the summer comes to an end, Leo’s innocence is shattered, and he is left grappling with the consequences of his actions. The experience leaves him scarred, and he carries the burden of the past with him into adulthood. “The Go-Between” serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of secrets and the lasting impact they can have on individuals and relationships.

The Class Divide:

Another prominent theme in “The Go-Between” is the stark contrast between the upper-class world of Brandham Hall and the working-class community surrounding it. Leo, who comes from a modest background, is both fascinated and intimidated by the wealth and privilege he encounters at the estate. The rigid social hierarchy of the time is evident in the interactions between the characters, highlighting the vast divide between the classes.

The class differences also play a role in the forbidden love affair between Marian and Ted. Marian’s position as an upper-class woman and Ted’s status as a farmer make their relationship taboo in the eyes of society. The novel explores the consequences of crossing these class boundaries and the impact it has on the lives of those involved.

Key Takeaways:

• Secrets can have a destructive power, impacting individuals and relationships.
• The class divide can create barriers and taboos in relationships.
• Innocence can be lost through manipulation and involvement in adult affairs.
• The past can haunt individuals and shape their future.

“The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.” – L.P. Hartley

In conclusion, “The Go-Between” is a compelling novel that delves into themes of forbidden love, the destructive power of secrets, and the class divide. Through the eyes of the young protagonist, Leo, the reader is taken on a journey of innocence lost and the lasting impact of choices made. Hartley’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions transport readers to a bygone era, leaving them with a haunting reminder of the consequences of hidden desires and the weight of the past.