Reading 1001 discussion

12. The novel ends with Newland deciding not to meet with Ellen later in life. Why do you think he made this decision? Did you want him to see her? What would you have done if you were him?

Newland stays on the bench rather than risk having his memories changed by the reality of change. He chooses to go away after the window is closed (the way is closed for him). Newland really is just a man of dreams, he doesn't deal in realities.

I wanted her to refuse to see him.

Lynn wrote: "I wanted her to refuse to see him."

That would have been a good ending but I was okay with his not going up.

His not going up fits with the tone/culture of the novel. But I was wanting her to assert herself.

I liked the ending. I think Newland and Ellen needed to remain in the past anything else would have felt wrong.

I agree with Lynn on this one.

The novel would have had to be much longer! But Newland did not have the courage to face the choice he had made so long before, which is in keeping with his character. He really did not want to confront passion. He chose the safe route both times.