Novella: The Loved One

Introduction
" The Loved One" is a satirical novella written by the British author, Evelyn Waugh, in 1948. The story is set in the period following World War II and occurs in Los Angeles, California, primarily in 2 cemeteries: Whispering Glades and Happier Hunting Grounds. The novella combines elements of dark humor and social satire, providing a review of the American lifestyle, Hollywood, and the funeral industry. The story focuses on the lives and relationships in between its central characters, developing their individual conflicts and struggles against the background of a society that handles death in an absurdly commercialized way.

Plot Summary
The story begins with the lead character, Dennis Barlow, a young British poet who has actually moved to Los Angeles to work as a screenwriter at Megalopolitan Studios. Unfortunately, Dennis's work pertains to an abrupt end when the studio closes down his department. Without any task prospects, he accepts a position at Happier Hunting Ground, an animal cemetery and crematorium.

Dennis copes with his fellow countryman, Sir Ambrose Abercrombie, a prominent British actor in Hollywood. Sir Ambrose discovers Dennis's new occupation to be degrading and embarrassing, putting their relationship at threat. He encourages Dennis to give up his task and return to England.

One day, a friend of Sir Ambrose passes away, and Dennis is provided the obligation of making funeral arrangements. He goes to Whispering Glades, an exclusive cemetery for people, where he meets Aimee Thanatogenos, a beautiful and naïve young woman who works as a cosmetician. Dennis becomes fascinated with Aimee, and the 2 participate in a flirty relationship.

Aimee, nevertheless, is confused about her sensations, as she is also brought in to her manager, Mr. Joyboy, the senior mortician at Whispering Glades. Mr. Joyboy's job is to prepare the deceased's bodies, giving them the appearance of "the loved one", for posthumous display at their funerals. Aimee appreciates his expert "artistry" and the 2 share a typical interest in the final discussion of the deceased.

As the story unfolds, Aimee finds herself captured in a love triangle between Dennis and Mr. Joyboy. Both males are trying to appeal her in their ways, and Aimee is mystified about which suitor to pick.

Meanwhile, Dennis starts to make up sycophantic, sentimental poetry for the deceased pet owners, which in turn ends up being popular amongst the clientele. He even develops a collection of his work called "Immortalities".

Climax and Conclusion
The climax of the novella happens when Aimee is challenged with an individual disaster: Mr. Joyboy asks her to assist him with a corpse that ends up being his own mother. Aimee is deeply disturbed by this event, along with Mr. Joyboy's lack of sentimentality towards his mother.

In desperation, Aimee looks for assistance from a newspaper guidance writer, The Guru Brahmin, who is, unbeknownst to her, a scams. Dennis, familiar with this truth, motivates Aimee to follow The Guru Brahmin's suggestions to assist fix her psychological turmoil.

Following the deceptive recommendations, Aimee devotes suicide. This catastrophe unites Dennis and Mr. Joyboy, as both males feel accountable for her death. They decide to conceal the suicide and present it as an unexpected demise. In the end, Dennis accepts Sir Ambrose's advice, leaves his job at Happier Hunting Grounds, and leaves for England with the royalties from his popular "Immortalities" collection.

Styles and Analysis
" The Loved One" explores themes of consumerism, superficiality, and the death industry. Waugh satirizes the American funeral service market, portraying it as corrupt and fanatical, a company that exploits individuals's emotions. He also exposes the contrast between the insincere and pompous nature of Hollywood society and the decay of human relationships.

Overall, Evelyn Waugh's "The Loved One" is a witty and darkly satirical narrative that masterfully critiques American culture and traditions. By providing characters that navigate this unreasonable world, Waugh welcomes readers to reflect on the worths of society, the business handling of death, and the vacuum of material pursuits