Look at Me: Analysis of Major Characters
"Look at Me: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate dynamics among a group of individuals connected through a medical research institute. Central to the narrative is Frances Hinton, an aspiring writer whose quiet demeanor masks profound inner turmoil stemming from her early responsibilities as an orphan. Frances's longing for excitement leads her to the glamorous world of the Frasers, particularly through her interactions with Nick and Alix Fraser. Nick, a charismatic doctor, embodies charm and social grace but is distracted by his own lively life, often sidelining Frances. His wife, Alix, exudes a commanding presence that combines beauty and cruelty, manipulating Frances before ultimately discarding her. The story also features James Anstey, a meticulous doctor who briefly becomes Frances's romantic interest but tends to align with Alix's whims. Supporting characters like Olivia Benedict, Frances's close friend, and various library patrons add depth to the narrative, contrasting Frances's struggles with their own lives. Each character contributes to the overarching themes of aspiration, disappointment, and the search for connection amidst the complexities of their personal and social lives.
Look at Me: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Anita Brookner
First published: 1983
Genre: Novel
Locale: London, England
Plot: Satire
Time: The 1980's
Frances Hinton, an aspiring writer who works in the reference library of a medical research institute. Healthy, practical, quiet, and calm, Frances is also modestly attractive. An observer rather than a participant in life, Frances is weighed down spiritually by responsibilities taken on too early in life, at the time of her mother's illness and eventual death. An orphan now, Frances feels herself claustrophobically locked into an existence heading nowhere. In search of excitement, she is drawn into the glittering life of the Frasers. Before long, her dreams of life with them, and of life with James Anstey, are dashed when Alix Fraser senses an independent streak in her and tires of her. Frances takes up her writing again, attempting to turn her pain into something amusing.
Nick Fraser, a doctor doing research at the institute. Tall, handsome, athletic, well-connected, and socially charming, Nick has everything going for him. His visits to the reference library enchant the employees, and he receives special treatment because the women are all half in love with him. Although he is working on the subject of depression, Nick is half of a lively, thoughtless couple that takes up Frances for a while, then drops her.
Alix Fraser, Nick Fraser's wife. Tall and fair, not beautiful but with an aura of power that commands attention, and possessing a wonderful mouth and an even better laugh, Alix is Nick's perfect complement. As careless and brilliant as he is, Alix is somewhat more cruel and blatant. For diversion, she takes Frances into her circle, calling her Fanny (a name Frances hates). She manipulates Frances and then disregards her when James Anstey and Maria become even more amusing.
James Anstey, the other doctor doing research at the institute. Attractive, divorced, and living with his mother, James is meticulous about his work and quiet enough to pale beside the likes of Nick Fraser. Taken up by the Frasers, James becomes Frances' escort and eventual beau. James decides to rent the Frasers'spare bedroom. When Frances falls out of favor with Alix, James is content to align himself further with the Frasers and Maria, at the expense of Frances.
Olivia Benedict, a coworker of Frances at the medical institute library and her closest friend, crippled from a long-ago car accident. She admires Nick and is silently critical of Alix. Olivia and her quiet, moral life provide an ironic opposite to the glittering Frasers.
David Benedict, Olivia's brother, a doctor. He was responsible for getting jobs for Frances and Olivia at the institute. It was long assumed by Frances'mother and by David's parents that David eventually would be Frances' mate.
Maria, a handsome, high-boned northern Italian woman. She is a neighbor and friend to the Frasers, especially Alix, and a regular at their dinner outings. She takes Frances' place in the foursome, apparently paired with James Anstey.
Dr. Leventhal, a librarian and the supervisor of Frances and Olivia. He is the sole support of his widowed sister, with whom he lives.
Dr. Simek, a foreign library patron who is researching the history of the treatment of melancholia. He becomes ill with the flu, and Frances visits him at Dr. Leventhal's request.
Mrs. Halloran, another library patron, an eccentric who is researching the influence of the planet Saturn on behavior anomalies. Her attempts to engage Dr. Simek in conversation provide comic relief in the quiet medical institute library.
Miss Morpeth, a retired librarian living in a Kensington flat. She was Frances' predecessor at the institute library and is visited once a month by Frances. The obligatory visits annoy Miss Morpeth, and one Sunday she speaks angrily to Frances. This display of bald truthfulness is one catalyst that drives Frances to want the Frasers' company.
Nancy Mulvaney, an elderly housekeeper who previously worked for Frances' mother, Beatrice, and now works for Frances. Her shuffling, ghostly presence often makes Frances uncomfortable, but she provides needed solace after the shock of Frances' last meal with the Frasers, James Anstey, and Maria.