Who are the primary characters in the novel, and what are their key relationships?

The main characters include Alun and Rhiannon Weaver, whose return from England sets the plot in motion. Their arrival impacts Garth and Gwen Cellan-Davies, Charlie and Muriel Norris, Peter and Sophie Thomas, and Malcolm and Dorothy Cellan-Davies. These characters are interconnected through decades of friendship, shared history, and complex romantic rivalries, particularly concerning Rhiannon.

How does the setting of the Bible and Crown pub contribute to the novel's atmosphere?

The Bible and Crown pub serves as the central hub for the characters' social lives, a place where they routinely gather to drink, gossip, and relive past glories or grievances. It's a stage for their daily dramas and provides a consistent backdrop against which the disruptions caused by Alun and Rhiannon's return are amplified, highlighting the contrast between their stable routines and the encroaching chaos.

What role does Alun Weaver's literary fame play in the narrative?

Alun Weaver's status as a celebrated Welsh writer creates a dynamic where his old friends both admire and resent his success, often viewing it with skepticism or jealousy. His fame also gives him a certain gravitas and a platform, even if his writing is sometimes perceived as pretentious or overly nationalistic by those who knew him before his celebrity.

What is the significance of the novel's title, 'The Old Devils'?

The title 'The Old Devils' refers to the characters themselves, who, despite their advanced age, are still prone to mischief, envy, lust, and petty rivalries. It suggests that human frailties and passions do not diminish with age but merely take on new forms, often leading to humorous or poignant consequences.

Are there any subtle recurring motifs or symbols related to Wales or Welsh identity?

Yes, there are subtle motifs concerning Welsh identity, often satirized through Alun Weaver's self-important pronouncements on Welsh culture and language. The characters' deep-seated connections to their Welsh homeland, their local pub, and their community also serve as a backdrop, sometimes contrasting with their more universal human foibles.

What is the true nature of Rhiannon Weaver's allure, beyond her physical attractiveness?

Rhiannon's allure stems not just from her physical beauty, which is frequently commented upon, but also from her enigmatic nature, her perceived independence, and the sense of glamour she brings back from England. She represents a past ideal for many of the men, a symbol of youthful romance and unfulfilled potential that still holds power over them.

How do the various characters' perceptions of the past differ, and what does this reveal?

Each character holds a slightly different, often self-serving, memory of past events, particularly concerning their romantic entanglements with Rhiannon. These differing recollections highlight the subjective nature of memory, the way individuals rewrite history to suit their current emotional needs, and the enduring impact of youthful experiences on their present lives.

Is there a specific incident or revelation that serves as a turning point for the group dynamic?

The initial shock of Alun and Rhiannon's return is a major turning point, but the gradual unraveling of past romantic secrets, particularly the revelation of Rhiannon's affairs with various men in the group, profoundly reshapes their current relationships. These disclosures force confrontations and re-evaluations among the long-standing friends.

How does the novel explore the psychology of male friendship in old age?

The novel portrays male friendship as a complex blend of camaraderie, competitive rivalry, and underlying resentment, especially when old romantic interests are rekindled. The men often use their shared history and drinking rituals to maintain a façade of closeness while harboring unspoken jealousies and judgments about each other's lives and successes.

What psychological coping mechanisms do the characters employ to deal with aging and disappointment?

Many characters cope with aging and disappointment through heavy drinking, constant reminiscing about their youth, and engaging in petty gossip or self-pity. They often cling to established routines and avoid introspection, using humor or cynicism as a defense mechanism against confronting their own mortality and unfulfilled aspirations.

How does Alun Weaver's character embody a certain psychological type of the 'aging artist'?

Alun Weaver embodies the aging artist as someone who has achieved external success but struggles with internal validation and creative stagnation. He relies on past glories, seeks constant admiration, and often uses his intellectualism to mask insecurities and a lack of genuine connection, revealing a profound loneliness despite his fame.

In what ways do the female characters, particularly Rhiannon and Muriel, demonstrate resilience or adaptation?

Rhiannon demonstrates a resilient adaptability, having navigated her past affairs and built a life with Alun, maintaining a certain mystique despite her age. Muriel, on the other hand, exhibits resilience through her stoic endurance of Charlie's flaws and her quiet observations of the group dynamic, often acting as a grounding force.

Does the novel offer a definitive conclusion on the nature of lasting marriage?

The novel offers a rather cynical, yet ultimately realistic, view of lasting marriage. It suggests that long-term unions are often built on a foundation of habit, compromise, mutual tolerance of flaws, and a certain degree of unspoken disappointment, rather than perpetual passion. The marriages endure, but not without considerable wear and tear.

Is the humor in 'The Old Devils' primarily satirical or observational?

The humor in 'The Old Devils' is a masterful blend of both satirical and observational elements. It satirizes human pretension, particularly Alun's literary posturing, and the absurdities of aging, while also offering keen, often poignant, observations on the everyday foibles, anxieties, and enduring affections of its characters.

What is the novel's ultimate message about aging and the passage of time?

The novel's ultimate message about aging is complex: while it acknowledges the physical and emotional attrition of time, it also suggests that human passions, jealousies, and desires persist, albeit in different forms. It portrays aging as a period of reflection, regret, and reluctant acceptance, but also one where old connections still hold significant power.

How does the novel challenge or reinforce traditional notions of 'golden years'?

The novel strongly challenges the idyllic notion of 'golden years,' instead presenting old age as a period fraught with physical decline, disillusionment, and a revisiting of past grievances. It suggests that while there can be comfort in routine and companionship, these years are far from a tranquil retirement, often being just as turbulent as youth.

Could the novel be interpreted as a commentary on the decline of a certain British or Welsh cultural identity?

While not its primary focus, the novel can be interpreted as a subtle commentary on a certain decline, or at least stagnation, of a specific Welsh cultural identity, particularly through Alun Weaver's often superficial or performative Welsh nationalism. The characters are rooted in a particular time and place, and their interactions reflect the changing social landscape, albeit within their insular world.

What is the significance of the recurring theme of alcohol in the characters' lives?

Alcohol is a pervasive and central theme, serving as both a social lubricant and a coping mechanism for the characters. It facilitates their conversations, eases their anxieties, and allows them to escape, however temporarily, from the harsh realities of aging and their unfulfilled lives. Their routines are heavily structured around drinking at the pub.

Archivist's Choice

The Old Devils

Name: The Old Devils
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.31 (4205 reviews)
ISBN: 9781590175767

Kingsley Amis (2012)

Genre

Fiction

Reading Time

600 min

Key Themes

See below

Track Your Reading

In a Welsh pub, a circle of aging, hard-drinking friends finds their twilight years hilariously upended by the return of a celebrated poet and his captivating wife, rekindling dormant rivalries and romances.

Synopsis

The settled, if somewhat boozy, lives of several older Welsh couples change with the return of Alun Weaver, a celebrated but pretentious writer, and his beautiful wife, Rhiannon. Living in a world of pub crawls and minor complaints, the group — including the patient Charlie, the rough Peter, and the observant Malcolm — sees old jealousies and unrequited loves resurface. Alun, known for flirting, immediately causes trouble, while Rhiannon's charm draws in several men, especially Malcolm. As Alun's health declines and his literary fame fades, past affairs come to light, shaking long-held marriages. Alun's death, though sad, also clears the air, allowing for new relationships and a fragile peace among the 'old devils' as they continue to face aging, friendship, and lasting love.

Reading time

600 min

Difficulty

Medium

Pacing

Moderate

Mood

Ironic, Witty, Melancholy, Observational, Humorous

✓ Read this if...

You enjoy character-driven British comedies of manners, particularly those with a focus on aging, marriage, and the foibles of human nature. Fans of authors like Evelyn Waugh or Muriel Spark will appreciate the wit and social observation.

✗ Skip this if...

You prefer fast-paced plots, high-stakes drama, or stories with universally likable characters. The book's focus on the mundane aspects of aging and its often curmudgeonly characters might not appeal to everyone.

Plot Summary

The Return of Alun and Rhiannon

The novel begins with the daily lives of a group of older Welsh friends: Malcolm and Gwen Cellan-Davies, Charlie and Muriel Norris, and Peter and Angharad Thomas. Their days involve pub visits, gossip, and a quiet acceptance of getting older. This comfortable routine breaks when Alun Weaver, a local who became a famous Welsh poet, returns to live in Wales with his beautiful, younger wife, Rhiannon. Alun’s return immediately stirs excitement, resentment, and old jealousies among the friends, especially the men who remember Rhiannon from their youth and still have feelings for her.

Initial Encounters and Awkward Reconnections

The first meetings between Alun, Rhiannon, and their old friends are awkward. Alun, despite his fame, seems distant and self-absorbed, while Rhiannon's charm and beauty draw everyone in, especially the men. Malcolm, in particular, feels pulled toward Rhiannon, remembering a past crush. The women, including Gwen and Muriel, are more cautious, sensing a possible disruption to their social group. Conversations include veiled comments, half-remembered stories, and the uncomfortable fact that while some things have changed, the basic nature of their relationships remains the same.

Alun's Literary Life and the Pub Scene

Alun quickly becomes involved in the local literary scene, attending readings and giving interviews, which amuses and sometimes annoys his old friends. The pub, the Bible and Crown, remains their main gathering spot, but Alun's presence adds intellectual showing off and competition, especially among the men. Discussions often turn to literary criticism, with Alun leading, while his friends try to keep up or pretend to be interested. Rhiannon, meanwhile, handles this environment with grace, often bridging Alun's world and the more ordinary concerns of their friends.

Resurfacing Jealousies and Marital Discord

Rhiannon's presence sparks old jealousies among the men. Malcolm, Charlie, and Peter all find themselves increasingly attracted to her, their wives noticing these renewed feelings with varying degrees of resignation and annoyance. This new element also highlights the underlying problems within their own marriages. Gwen, for example, becomes more critical of Malcolm, while Muriel deals with Charlie's drinking and lack of ambition. The appearance of comfortable, long-standing marriages begins to crack, showing the compromises and disappointments built up over decades.

Malcolm's Growing Infatuation

Malcolm Cellan-Davies, a retired television producer, becomes particularly smitten with Rhiannon. He starts actively seeking her attention, inviting her for drinks, talking with her, and subtly trying to undermine Alun. His wife, Gwen, watches this with a mix of frustration and weary familiarity, having seen Malcolm's flirtatious behavior throughout their marriage. Malcolm's crush creates much of the comic and sad tension, as his clumsy attempts at charm are often met with Rhiannon's polite but firm resistance, or simply her good-natured amusement.

The Literary Festival Incident

A local literary festival, with Alun as a main speaker, brings the group together in a more formal setting. Alun's readings get mixed reactions from his old friends – admiration from some, thinly veiled scorn from others. The festival also gives various characters chances to make fools of themselves or to deepen their romantic interests. Malcolm's pursuit of Rhiannon becomes more open, leading to an embarrassing public moment that further strains his relationship with Gwen. The event highlights the difference between Alun's public image and his private, often self-indulgent, behavior.

Alun's Decline and Rhiannon's Resilience

As the story goes on, Alun's health noticeably declines, made worse by his heavy drinking and the pressures of his literary life. This decline strips away some of his pompous exterior, revealing a more vulnerable, though still difficult, man. Rhiannon, despite the challenges of being married to Alun and the constant attention from his old friends, remains remarkably calm and devoted. Her resilience and steady care for Alun earn her a grudging respect from the other characters, who first saw her as just a beautiful accessory. Her character gains depth as she deals with Alun's growing illness.

The Revelation of Past Affairs

As Alun's health worsens and conversations become more open, past romantic relationships and affairs within the group start to surface. It is revealed that Alun had an affair with Gwen many years ago, a secret Malcolm was vaguely aware of but never fully confronted. These revelations add another layer of complexity to the characters' current interactions, explaining some of the underlying animosities and affections. The past affects their present, forcing them to re-evaluate their relationships and the choices they've made. The unspoken history among them finally gets discussed.

Alun's Death and Its Aftermath

Alun Weaver eventually dies from his illness, a somber moment for the entire group. His death, while perhaps not unexpected given his lifestyle, makes his old friends face their own mortality and the passing of time. The immediate aftermath is a time of quiet thought and a temporary end to their usual arguments. The funeral brings them together in shared grief, and for a short time, the old rivalries and jealousies are set aside out of respect for their flawed, but important, friend.

Life Resumes and New Dynamics

After Alun's death, life slowly returns to its familiar pace for the old devils. However, things are not entirely the same. Rhiannon, now a widow, stays in Wales, and her presence remains a focus, though the male attention she receives subtly changes. Malcolm's infatuation, while still there, takes on a new sadness and acceptance of his own limits. The other characters, having faced their pasts and seen Alun's death, seem to move forward with a slightly changed view of their own lives, marriages, and friendships, aware of how precious and short their remaining time is.

Principal Figures

Malcolm Cellan-Davies

The Protagonist

Malcolm grapples with his aging body and mind, his unfulfilled desires, and the enduring complexities of his marriage, ultimately coming to a weary acceptance of his lot.

Gwen Cellan-Davies

The Supporting

Gwen's stoicism is tested by Malcolm's renewed infatuation with Rhiannon and the resurfacing of her own past, but she ultimately remains steadfast.

Alun Weaver

The Antagonist/Catalyst

Alun's return brings his past to bear on his present, culminating in a decline that exposes his vulnerabilities and ultimately leads to his death.

Rhiannon Weaver

The Supporting

Rhiannon maintains her composure and devotion amidst the chaos of Alun's life and the attention of his friends, emerging as a figure of quiet strength and resilience.

Charlie Norris

The Supporting

Charlie mostly remains consistent, a reliable if somewhat passive presence, embodying the comfortable inertia of the group's friendships.

Muriel Norris

The Supporting

Muriel's character remains largely consistent, representing the quiet strength and endurance of the long-married woman.

Peter Thomas

The Supporting

Peter's character offers a quieter reflection on aging and desire, remaining a consistent, observant presence.

Angharad Thomas

The Supporting

Angharad remains a steady, if less vocal, presence, contributing to the overall social tapestry of the group.

Garth

The Mentioned

Not applicable, as he is a minor, off-stage character.

Themes & Insights

Aging and Mortality

The novel explores the physical and psychological challenges of aging. Characters deal with declining health, memory loss, and the realization that their lives are nearing an end. Daily routines, often involving drinking, offer both comfort and a way to cope with the reality of mortality. Alun Weaver's physical decline and eventual death serve as a reminder to the group of their own limited time, making them confront life's fragility and the certainty of loss. The characters often think about past successes and missed chances, showing the bittersweet nature of looking back from old age.

““All of a sudden the evening starts starting after breakfast.””

Marriage and Long-Term Relationships

The complexities of long-standing marriages are a central theme, shown with both humor and sadness. The novel portrays the compromises, resentments, unspoken feelings, and comfortable routines that define relationships lasting decades. Rhiannon's arrival and the return of old romantic rivalries expose the underlying dissatisfactions and unfulfilled desires within these marriages, especially for Malcolm and Gwen. The characters navigate infidelity, boredom, and the lasting bond that, despite everything, keeps them together. The marriages are not perfect but shown as realistic, often messy, partnerships built on shared history.

““The trouble with marriage was that it was a relationship, and relationships were a lot of work.””

Friendship and Social Dynamics

The network of friendship among the 'old devils' is a key part of the story. Their relationships are a mix of real affection, long-standing rivalries, gossip, and mutual support. The pub is their main gathering place, a sanctuary where they can complain and challenge each other. Alun's return changes these established dynamics, forcing old friends to confront past grievances and current jealousies. The novel shows how friendships change and last, even amid personal flaws and competitive instincts, providing an important social structure for the older characters.

““The long, long history of their friendship, the shared jokes, the mutual gripes, the unspoken understandings, all rose around them like a comforting, if slightly dusty, cloud.””

Memory and the Past

Memory plays a role, as characters constantly revisit their youth, past affairs, and earlier selves. The past is not just a background but an active force, shaping their current interactions and revealing hidden depths to their relationships. Alun and Rhiannon's return prompts these memories, bringing long-buried secrets and unfulfilled desires to the surface. The characters often reminisce, sometimes inaccurately or selectively, about shared experiences, highlighting how subjective memory is and its power to both comfort and trouble them.

““The past was not merely a foreign country; it was a country whose geography kept shifting underfoot.””

Welsh Identity and English Influence

The novel explores Welsh identity, especially through Alun Weaver as a celebrated Welsh writer. His fame is linked to his Welsh heritage, yet he has lived mostly in England. His return to Wales highlights the nuances of national identity, cultural pride, and the perceived difference between 'native' Welsh people and those who have lived elsewhere. The characters' conversations often touch on Welsh culture, language, and the local landscape, firmly setting the story and adding cultural commentary to the personal dramas.

““He was a Welshman, of course, but a Welshman who had made his name elsewhere, which was a different thing entirely.””

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The Catalyst Character

Alun and Rhiannon Weaver's arrival disrupts the established equilibrium.

The return of Alun Weaver and his wife Rhiannon serves as the primary catalyst for the novel's plot. Their arrival immediately disrupts the comfortable, albeit stagnant, routines of the existing group of friends. Alun's fame and Rhiannon's beauty stir up old jealousies, unfulfilled desires, and long-buried resentments among the 'old devils,' forcing them to confront their pasts and the realities of their present lives. Without their return, the narrative would likely remain a static observation of aging, but their presence ignites the underlying tensions and drives the character development.

The Pub as a Central Setting

The 'Bible and Crown' pub functions as the social hub and confessional space.

The local pub, the 'Bible and Crown,' is more than just a setting; it functions as a central social hub and an informal confessional for the characters. It is where they gather daily, share gossip, complain, reminisce, and, most importantly, drink. The pub provides a consistent backdrop for their interactions, allowing for the natural flow of conversation and the gradual revelation of their inner lives and past histories. It symbolizes the ritualistic comfort and community that defines their later years, and the place where all the significant plot points often begin or are discussed.

Dramatic Irony

The audience is often privy to information or intentions that characters are not.

Dramatic irony is frequently employed, particularly regarding the characters' internal thoughts and past actions versus their outward presentations. For instance, the reader is often aware of Malcolm's intense infatuation with Rhiannon or his past grievances, while other characters might only see his surface behavior. Similarly, the long-standing secrets, like Gwen's affair with Alun, create dramatic irony as characters interact, unaware of the full history between them. This device adds layers of complexity and humor, highlighting the characters' self-deception and the hidden truths within their relationships.

Flashbacks and Reminiscences

Characters frequently recall past events, shaping their present interactions.

The novel uses flashbacks and character reminiscences to gradually reveal the intricate history of the group. As the characters interact, their conversations and internal monologues often drift back to events from their youth or earlier stages of their lives. These recollections are not always linear or entirely reliable, reflecting the nature of memory itself. This device is crucial for understanding the deep-seated rivalries, affections, and secrets that underpin their current relationships, providing context for their present behavior and emotional responses to each other, especially with the return of Alun and Rhiannon.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“That was the trouble with being in love, you couldn't tell the difference between a good idea and a bad one.”

— Gareth considers the irrationality of love.

“The great thing about being old was that you could say what you liked, and if people didn't like it, they could lump it.”

— Rhiannon reflects on the freedoms of old age.

“All that was needed was a little more of the spirit of compromise, a little less of the spirit of self-righteousness.”

— Alun muses on the difficulties of group dynamics.

“It was a mistake to think that people changed. They just became more themselves.”

— Peter observes the unchanging nature of his friends.

“Drink was a great comfort, but it was also a great betrayer.”

— Charlie contemplates his relationship with alcohol.

“The past was a foreign country; they did things differently there.”

— A general reflection on the distance of past memories, a famous line often associated with the novel.

“Friendship, for all its occasional irritations, was a much more reliable emotion than love.”

— Malcolm weighs the merits of friendship versus romantic love.

“Middle age was when you still believed you could change things, but you were starting to suspect you probably couldn't.”

— Victor's internal thought about the period of middle age.

“Nostalgia was a dangerous drug, especially when mixed with alcohol.”

— Garth considers the potent mix of past memories and drink.

“The trouble with growing old was not that you died, but that you had to watch everyone else die first.”

— Rhiannon's somber reflection on mortality.

“There was no such thing as a happy ending, only a less unhappy one.”

— Charlie's cynical view on life's outcomes.

“Culture was what you were supposed to have, even if you didn't understand it.”

— Peter's wry observation about societal expectations of culture.

“The only thing worse than being talked about was not being talked about.”

— Sophie's thought on the nature of gossip and attention.

“Life was a series of small humiliations, punctuated by occasional large ones.”

— Gareth's pessimistic outlook on human experience.

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Key Questions (FAQ)

'The Old Devils' revolves around a group of elderly, mostly Welsh, married couples whose established routines of drinking and gossiping at the Bible and Crown pub are disrupted by the return of Alun Weaver, a famous Welsh writer, and his attractive wife, Rhiannon, from England. Their arrival reignites old rivalries, unearths past romantic entanglements, and forces the characters to confront their aging and unfulfilled desires.

About the author

Kingsley Amis

Sir Kingsley William Amis was an English novelist, poet, critic and teacher. He wrote more than 20 novels, six volumes of poetry, a memoir, short stories, radio and television scripts, and works of social and literary criticism. He is best known for satirical comedies such as Lucky Jim (1954), One Fat Englishman (1963), Ending Up (1974), Jake's Thing (1978) and The Old Devils (1986).

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Synopsis

Plot Summary

The Return of Alun and Rhiannon

Initial Encounters and Awkward Reconnections

Alun's Literary Life and the Pub Scene

Resurfacing Jealousies and Marital Discord

Malcolm's Growing Infatuation

The Literary Festival Incident

Alun's Decline and Rhiannon's Resilience

The Revelation of Past Affairs

Alun's Death and Its Aftermath

Life Resumes and New Dynamics

Principal Figures

Malcolm Cellan-Davies

Gwen Cellan-Davies

Alun Weaver

Rhiannon Weaver

Charlie Norris

Muriel Norris

Peter Thomas

Angharad Thomas

Garth

Themes & Insights

Aging and Mortality

Marriage and Long-Term Relationships

Friendship and Social Dynamics

Memory and the Past

Welsh Identity and English Influence

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The Catalyst Character

The Pub as a Central Setting

Dramatic Irony

Flashbacks and Reminiscences

Critical analysis

In-depth analysis

Strengths

Areas for improvement

Notable Quotes

Quiz

Test Your Knowledge

Key Questions (FAQ)

What is the central premise of 'The Old Devils'?

Who are the primary characters in the novel, and what are their key relationships?

How does the setting of the Bible and Crown pub contribute to the novel's atmosphere?

What role does Alun Weaver's literary fame play in the narrative?

What is the significance of the novel's title, 'The Old Devils'?

Are there any subtle recurring motifs or symbols related to Wales or Welsh identity?

What is the true nature of Rhiannon Weaver's allure, beyond her physical attractiveness?

How do the various characters' perceptions of the past differ, and what does this reveal?

Is there a specific incident or revelation that serves as a turning point for the group dynamic?

How does the novel explore the psychology of male friendship in old age?

What psychological coping mechanisms do the characters employ to deal with aging and disappointment?

How does Alun Weaver's character embody a certain psychological type of the 'aging artist'?

In what ways do the female characters, particularly Rhiannon and Muriel, demonstrate resilience or adaptation?

Does the novel offer a definitive conclusion on the nature of lasting marriage?

Is the humor in 'The Old Devils' primarily satirical or observational?

What is the novel's ultimate message about aging and the passage of time?

How does the novel challenge or reinforce traditional notions of 'golden years'?

Could the novel be interpreted as a commentary on the decline of a certain British or Welsh cultural identity?

What is the significance of the recurring theme of alcohol in the characters' lives?

About the author

Kingsley Amis

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