Set over the course of five decades, The Dutch House is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past. Despite every outward sign of success, Danny and Maeve are only truly comfortable when they're together.
What is the meaning of The Dutch House?
The “Dutch house” in a wealthy suburb of Philadelphia is the site of Cyril Conroy's failed first marriage to Elna, a woman who flees the ornate excesses of the home. It is also the site of Cyril's second, catastrophic marriage to Andrea, a cruel stepmother who disinherits his children after his death.1 Apr 2020
Why did the mom leave in The Dutch House?
Their mother's stated/implied reason for leaving is that she didn't feel comfortable living in the very fancy Dutch House while there is so much poverty and despair in the world. She goes to India to tend to the poor and sick, but doesn't keep in touch with her children.15 May 2020
What is The Dutch House based on?
Interestingly, the vice president's house in Bel Canto was based on an actual house — the president's house at Sarah Lawrence College.12 Feb 2020
What is the moral of The Dutch House?
Patchett: In Bad Relationships, 'There Comes A Day When You Gotta Go' The Dutch House is also about obsessive nostalgia. Being Patchett, she brings her novel around to themes of gratitude, compassion and forgiveness.23 Sept 2019
Is The Dutch House autobiographical?
If “Commonwealth,” which explores the collateral damage done to children by their parents' divorces and remarriages, was semi-autobiographical, then “The Dutch House” is in one respect almost anti-autobiographical, a cautionary tale.21 Sept 2019
Why Ann Patchett wrote The Dutch House?
"The Dutch House," by Ann Patchett After her best efforts to adjust to a life being served by maids and cooks in the ornate Dutch House, she abandons the family to serve the poor in India. Exploring the theme of wealth was one of the things that inspired Patchett to write “The Dutch House.”25 Oct 2019
What is the message of The Dutch House?
Exploring the theme of wealth was one of the things that inspired Patchett to write “The Dutch House.” "In this moment it feels more and more like we are in a massive celebration of wealth," Patchett explained. To write a character who rejects wealth was part of Patchett's plan.25 Oct 2019
What was the inspiration for The Dutch House?
Patchett was inspired to use Elkins Park as the novel's setting because when she was a student at Sarah Lawrence College she would spend holidays and weekends in Wyncote, Elkins Park, and Jenkintown. She also chose Elkins Park given its proximity to New York, which she already knew would feature in the novel.
What does The Dutch House symbolize?
The Dutch House symbolizes Danny's emotional and psychological realms. A fixture in and representation of Danny's complicated childhood past, the house often resembles those facets of Danny's emotions he is unwilling to confront and grow beyond.