Where Angels Fear to Tread Book

"Romance only dies with life."

I spent some delicious summer hours rereading Forster's first novel, thinking of Europe and its contrasting, yet matching characters, its various climates and cultural reference points. The eternal question of how to cope with social environment and human nature remains unhappily unsolved but beautifully illustrated in front of an Italian artistic landscape backdrop, with a cast of English characters struggling with suppressed emotions.

What is important in life? Sensuality and natural instincts, as Lilia seems to think when engaging with an Italian dentist's handsome but uncultured son, Gino? Sophistication and belief in art as a means to find purpose and satisfaction? Friendship? Passion?

Where angels fear to tread - that is life without the gloss of romance to make it look prettier than it is. Seen in close-up, sexual tension is not glamorous or even particularly exciting, and a mésalliance is a marriage too, just like a conventional one, and it comes with the same issues, once the romance has worn off.

Sacrifice oneself to convention to satisfy other people? Is that the path for angels to tread more securely?

Hardly. What for? To engage in "petty unselfishness", as Forster eloquently sums up a life lived for appearances?

As the sad novel of unfulfilled dreams, unspent passions, unseen art and unlived life comes to a close, I believe I know what to take from it. We can't ever rely on somebody or something else to give us meaning. If we look for purpose and satisfaction in other people, rather than within ourselves, we will always, always be disappointed. For other people don't pursue our happiness, not even when they claim to "love" us. They pursue their own goals, and if we happen to cross their path we may be used as a vehicle on their quest, that's all.

If we want to be brave angels, walking joyously on the path that leads to an interesting and fulfilling future, we have to look for our own meaning.

Where angels like to walk...