Novel: Consider the Lilies

Introduction
"Consider the Lilies" is an unique by Auberon Waugh, published in 1968. Understood for his wit and questionable writing design, Waugh explores themes of social class, household characteristics, religious beliefs, and morality in this book. Set in England during the 1960s, the story follows the life of a middle-class family man, James Forrest, who ends up being entangled in a series of moral and ethical issues after ending up being included with an enigmatic woman called Bernadette.

The Plot
James Forrest is a rural family man who is leading an apparently content life with his partner Barbara and their 3 kids. At his son's school sports day, he meets the eccentric and fascinating Bernadette, a lady who has a reputation for being a nymphomaniac. This encounter sparks a deep and enduring fascination within James, who becomes nearly obsessed with her.

As the story advances, Bernadette begins an affair with a regional priest, Father Cyprian. James, who is not spiritual, is torn in between his fascination with Bernadette, his jealousy towards the priest, and his own moral compass. Throughout the unique, Waugh supplies a brilliant and tantalizing insight into the mechanics of temptation and extramarital relations.

In an effort to distance himself from Bernadette and the immoral trappings of her world, James decides to take his household on a holiday to Spain. Regrettably, his plan backfires when he discovers that Bernadette is likewise vacationing in the exact same area with Father Cyprian. Not able to resist the physical destination and emotional pull towards Bernadette, James embarks on a torrid and consuming love affair with her.

James' Moral Dilemma
Torn in between his commitment to his spouse and household and his overwhelming enthusiasm for Bernadette, James is confronted with an extensive ethical problem. The regret of his decision takes a toll on his mental health, triggering him to become increasingly unstable.

Furthermore, James' son, Adrian, unknowingly makes complex matters when he befriends a regional young boy named Juan. Juan and his family belong to a sect known as the Penitents, which even more complicates the moral landscape of the novel, as they participate in different unusual rituals and self-punishment practices. In an effort to show his sensations for Bernadette, James agrees to participate in among their rituals, ultimately shedding his middle-class identity and embracing a darker, devious side of himself.

The Consequences
Ultimately, James' actions result in the collapse of his domesticity. His wife, Barbara, ultimately learns of his extramarital relations and challenges Bernadette in a climactic scene. The revelation of the affair causes a bitter and heart-wrenching break up in between James and Bernadette, along with the disintegration of his marriage.

In a twist ending, Waugh hints at the possibility of redemption for James when he is coaxed by Father Cyprian to transform to Catholicism. Nevertheless, he is unable to go through with the conversion, indicating a final surrender to the consequences of his actions and the loss of both his familial and spiritual beliefs.

Themes and Implications
"Consider the Lilies" explores numerous themes, including ethical duty, the role of religion in personal choices, and the dispute between commitment to family and personal desires. Through the character of James, Waugh looks into the mind of the daily man who is confronted with an intense temptation that ultimately results in his undoing.

The unique serves as an effective commentary on the complexities and double standards of the human condition while likewise highlighting the fragility of household bonds and specific beliefs. Its juxtaposition of morality, sexual desire, and religious suitables continues to make it a compelling and relevant read for modern audiences.