Point Counter Point

First published in 1928, Aldous Huxley's "Point Counter Point" draws its name from the back and forth exchange that occurs during a debate. In a similar way Huxley presents a series of interconnected storylines centered on the various characters of the novel. There is Walter Bidlake, a young journalist who is caught between two love interests. Walter's father, John, is a famous painter whose skill and health is in decline. John's daughter, Elinor, is married to the writer, Philip Quarles. In England, the lives of the Quarles family is explored as they have just returned from India. Mark Rampion, a writer and painter, is shown in flashback courting and marrying his wife Mary. Maurice Spandrell, a libertine intellectual, tragically conspires with Illidge, a working-class scientist, to murder Everard Webley, a member of the quasi-military group, the Brotherhood of British Freemen. Finally, Walter's editor, Denis Burlap's relationship with Beatrice Gilray, a thirty-five year old virgin, is portrayed. In this classic roman à clef novel Huxley drew upon many famous personal acquaintances for his characterizations.