Patrick White’s novel “The Solid Mandala” delves into themes of identity, family dynamics, spirituality, and the search for meaning in life.
The characters in the novel serve as conduits through which these themes are explored, each embodying different aspects of the human experience and reflecting the complexities of the human condition.
Arthur and Waldo Brown, the central characters of the novel, are fraternal twins who, despite their physical and emotional proximity, represent contrasting approaches to life and spirituality. Arthur is depicted as the pragmatic and materialistic brother, whose worldview is grounded in the tangible realities of the physical world. He is skeptical of religion and spirituality, preferring instead to focus on practical matters such as his career and financial security. Waldo, on the other hand, is portrayed as the mystic and visionary brother, whose life is consumed by his quest for spiritual enlightenment and transcendence. He rejects the materialistic pursuits of the world and seeks solace in the realms of the spiritual and metaphysical.
Through the characters of Arthur and Waldo, White explores the tension between the material and the spiritual dimensions of human existence. The brothers’ divergent paths highlight the existential struggles faced by individuals in their search for meaning and purpose in life. Arthur’s pursuit of worldly success and status ultimately leaves him feeling empty and unfulfilled, while Waldo’s spiritual quest leads him to a sense of inner peace and enlightenment.
In addition to Arthur and Waldo, the supporting characters in the novel also play significant roles in exploring its themes. The Browns’ dysfunctional family dynamics, marked by emotional repression, resentment, and unfulfilled desires, reflect the broader theme of alienation and disconnection in modern society. Characters like Hilda, Mrs. Poulter, and Constance represent different manifestations of this existential angst, grappling with their own inner demons and longing for a sense of belonging and purpose.
Moreover, the setting of the novel, the fictional Australian suburb of Sarsaparilla, serves as a microcosm of the human condition, with its inhabitants navigating the complexities of life in the modern world. White’s evocative descriptions of the landscape and atmosphere of Sarsaparilla contribute to the novel’s exploration of existential themes, highlighting the interplay between the external world and the inner lives of its characters.
Overall, the characters in “The Solid Mandala” serve as vehicles through which Patrick White explores the themes of identity, spirituality, and the search for meaning in life. Through their struggles and triumphs, White invites readers to reflect on the complexities of the human experience and the eternal quest for transcendence and self-discovery.