Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry

"Under the Volcano," a seminal work by British writer Malcolm Lowry, was first published in 1947. The novel, which had undergone numerous rewrites and faced multiple rejections, stands as a testament to Lowry's perseverance and literary vision.

The publication journey of "Under the Volcano" was fraught with difficulties, reflective of Lowry’s tumultuous life. The novel was initially conceptualised in the early 1930s, and Lowry worked on it intermittently while grappling with personal demons, including alcoholism and mental health issues. Despite these struggles, Lowry's determination to see his vision realised never waned.

The manuscript finally found a home with Reynal & Hitchcock in the United States, and subsequently with Jonathan Cape in the United Kingdom. Upon its release, "Under the Volcano" received critical acclaim for its intricate narrative structure, vivid descriptions, and profound thematic depth. Critics hailed it as a modernist masterpiece, comparing Lowry's work to that of James Joyce and William Faulkner.

The novel's complex portrayal of the protagonist’s descent into despair amidst the backdrop of Mexico on the Day of the Dead resonated deeply with readers and established Lowry’s reputation as a significant literary figure. Despite its initial mixed commercial success, "Under the Volcano" has since been recognised as one of the greatest novels of the 20th century, celebrated for its stylistic innovation and emotional intensity.

Plot

"Under the Volcano" unfolds over the course of a single day, the Day of the Dead, 1938, in the small Mexican town of Quauhnahuac. The novel centres on Geoffrey Firmin, a British consul whose life is spiralling out of control due to his severe alcoholism. The story begins with the arrival of Firmin’s estranged wife, Yvonne, who hopes to rekindle their relationship and save him from his self-destructive tendencies.

Geoffrey Firmin is portrayed as a tragic figure, trapped in a cycle of addiction and haunted by his past. His alcoholism has cost him his career, his reputation, and his marriage. Despite Yvonne's return, Firmin remains unable to break free from his dependency on alcohol, leading to a series of increasingly desperate and reckless actions throughout the day.

As Firmin and Yvonne attempt to reconnect, they are joined by Firmin’s half-brother, Hugh, and his friend, Jacques Laruelle. Hugh is a disillusioned journalist and adventurer, who harbours unspoken feelings for Yvonne. The group’s interactions are fraught with tension and unresolved emotions, reflecting the fractured relationships and personal failures that define their lives.

Throughout the day, Firmin’s intoxication deepens, and he becomes increasingly disconnected from reality. His internal monologues reveal his profound sense of guilt, regret, and despair. The narrative is punctuated by flashbacks that provide insight into Firmin's and Yvonne's troubled past, including their passionate but ultimately doomed love affair.

As the day progresses, Firmin's behaviour becomes more erratic and self-destructive. He wanders through the town, encountering various symbolic and hallucinatory figures that reflect his inner turmoil. Despite Yvonne's efforts to save him, Firmin's descent into alcoholism proves irreversible. The novel culminates in a tragic and violent climax, as Firmin's actions lead to his untimely death.

"Under the Volcano" is a powerful exploration of human frailty, love, and loss, set against the rich cultural backdrop of Mexico on the Day of the Dead. Its intricate narrative structure and deeply flawed characters offer a poignant and unflinching portrayal of the human condition.

Into the Book

The most prominent theme in "Under the Volcano" is the devastating impact of alcoholism, embodied in the character of Geoffrey Firmin. Firmin’s addiction is not merely a personal failing but a symbol of existential despair and self-destruction. Throughout the novel, Lowry vividly illustrates how alcoholism has ravaged Firmin’s life, alienating him from those he loves and eroding his sense of self.

One poignant example is Firmin’s internal monologue: "He knew he was drinking himself to death deliberately... It was no longer possible to see any other way out." This quote encapsulates Firmin’s awareness of his self-destructive path, yet also his helplessness to alter it. Alcohol serves as both his solace and his curse, a means to numb his pain but also the source of his deepest suffering.

Lowry’s depiction of Firmin’s alcoholism is unflinching and raw, capturing the physical and psychological toll it takes. The narrative frequently delves into Firmin’s desperate need for alcohol, his erratic behaviour when intoxicated, and his moments of clarity filled with regret and self-loathing. The novel's setting during the Day of the Dead further underscores the theme, as Firmin is metaphorically and literally haunted by the ghosts of his past and his own impending death.

“To say nothing of what you lose, lose, lose, are losing, man. You fool, you stupid fool ... You've even been insulated from the responsibility of genuine suffering ... Even the suffering you do endure is largely unnecessary. Actually spurious. It lacks the very basis you require of it for its tragic nature. You deceive yourself.”

- Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry

Despite the overwhelming presence of despair, "Under the Volcano" also explores the theme of redemption. Yvonne’s return to Quauhnahuac represents a glimmer of hope and the possibility of salvation for Firmin. She embodies love and forgiveness, seeking to rescue Firmin from his downward spiral and rebuild their shattered relationship.

Yvonne’s determination is evident in her reflections: "She had come back because she loved him and hoped to save him, to bring him back to life." Her efforts to reconnect with Firmin and rekindle their love are motivated by a desire to redeem both herself and Firmin from the mistakes of their past. However, Firmin’s deep-seated guilt and addiction create an almost insurmountable barrier to this redemption.

The theme of redemption is also explored through the character of Hugh, who seeks purpose and meaning in his life, and through Jacques Laruelle, who grapples with his own regrets. Each character’s journey reflects a yearning for atonement and a struggle against the forces that hold them back. Ultimately, the novel suggests that redemption is elusive and fraught with obstacles, particularly when individuals are ensnared by their own demons.

“Try persuading the world not to cut its throat for half a decade or more...and it'll begin to dawn on you that even your behavior's part of its plan.”

- Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry

"Under the Volcano" is permeated with a sense of fatalism, as characters grapple with forces beyond their control. Firmin’s tragic trajectory seems preordained, his fate sealed by his addiction and the choices he has made. The novel’s structure, with its foreshadowing and symbolic references, reinforces the inevitability of Firmin’s demise.

This theme is poignantly illustrated in a conversation between Firmin and Yvonne: "Do you believe, Geoffrey, that everything is fated? That there's no escape from the consequences of our actions?" Firmin’s response, "Perhaps. But what if our actions are themselves fated?" reflects his resignation to his destiny. The narrative suggests that despite their efforts, the characters are unable to escape the consequences of their past and the inexorable pull of their inner conflicts.

The setting of the Day of the Dead further amplifies the theme of fate, as the day is traditionally associated with honouring and remembering the dead. Firmin’s journey through Quauhnahuac on this day mirrors a descent into the underworld, with his encounters and experiences symbolising a confrontation with his fate.

Lowry’s use of symbolism and allegory throughout the novel reinforces the theme of inevitability. The constant references to death, decay, and cyclical patterns suggest a world where individuals are caught in an inescapable web of destiny. Firmin’s final moments, marked by a sense of inevitability and tragic acceptance, underscore the profound fatalism that pervades the novel.

“The movements of some more little red birds in the garden, like animated rosebuds, appeared unbearably jittery and thievish. It was as though the creatures were attached by sensitive wires to his nerves.”

- Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry

Why It's a Masterpiece

"Under the Volcano" is widely regarded as a masterpiece due to its profound exploration of complex themes, its innovative narrative structure, and its richly textured prose. Malcolm Lowry’s ability to convey the inner turmoil of his characters, particularly Geoffrey Firmin, with such depth and authenticity, sets the novel apart as a towering achievement in modern literature.

One of the novel’s most striking features is its narrative technique, which seamlessly weaves together multiple perspectives and timelines. Lowry employs stream-of-consciousness, flashbacks, and symbolic imagery to create a richly layered narrative that mirrors the fragmented and chaotic inner world of Firmin. This complexity challenges readers to engage deeply with the text and uncover the intricate connections between the characters and their experiences.

Lowry’s prose is another key factor in the novel’s enduring acclaim. His vivid descriptions of the Mexican setting, combined with his lyrical and often hallucinatory style, create a sense of immersion that draws readers into the world of Quauhnahuac. The novel’s language is dense with symbolism and metaphor, enriching the reading experience and inviting multiple interpretations.

Thematically, "Under the Volcano" resonates on a universal level, addressing fundamental aspects of the human condition such as despair, love, and the search for meaning. Lowry’s unflinching portrayal of Firmin’s alcoholism and his exploration of existential themes evoke a deep emotional response, making the novel both poignant and thought-provoking.

Critics and scholars have lauded "Under the Volcano" for its artistic ambition and its capacity to capture the complexities of human experience. It stands as a testament to Lowry’s literary genius and his ability to transform personal suffering into a work of profound beauty and insight.

Conclusion

"Under the Volcano" endures today because it speaks to timeless themes of human frailty and the quest for redemption. Its richly layered narrative and evocative prose continue to captivate readers, while its exploration of the darker aspects of the human psyche remains profoundly relevant. Malcolm Lowry’s masterpiece invites us to confront our own vulnerabilities and reflect on the forces that shape our destinies, ensuring its place in the pantheon of great 20th century literature.

Next Week: Ragtime by EL Doctorow