Zadie Smith's 'On Beauty' delves into the intertwined lives of the Belsey and Kipps families amid academic rivalry and cultural identity searches. It touches on themes of art, personal struggles, and student activism, reflecting on the human experience through the lens of a fictional university town.
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The novel follows the intertwined lives of the Belsey and Kipps families, connected through their patriarchs' professional rivalry
Howard's Progressive Ideals
Howard's progressive beliefs are challenged when his son becomes involved with the daughter of his rival
Marital Struggles
Howard's extramarital affair and the Kipps family's move to Wellington test the Belsey family's equilibrium
Cultural Identity
The characters grapple with their cultural identities and the impact of their backgrounds on their relationships
The novel explores the themes of art and cultural identity through the characters' relationships and conflicts
The novel delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the impact of secrets and betrayals
The rivalry between Howard and Monty in the academic world drives the plot and highlights the intersection of academia and personal lives
The novel explores the role of student activism in shaping institutional policies and practices
The novel reaches a dramatic conclusion as the characters face the consequences of their actions and relationships
The conclusion offers a glimpse of the possibility of reconciliation and highlights the characters' journeys towards understanding their identities
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Author of 'On Beauty'
Zadie Smith, British novelist, released the book in 2005.
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Belsey family composition
Howard (English scholar), Kiki (African American wife), children: Jerome (Brown University), Zora (Wellington), Levi (high school).
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Kipps family background
Trinidadian descent, Monty Kipps (Howard's rival), conservative, culturally traditional.
