Bertram Cope’s Year · Theme
Youth vs. Middle Age
How Bertram Cope’s Year develops Youth vs. Middle Age.
The book contrasts the vitality, idealism, and self-absorption of youth (Cope and his peers) with the nostalgia, envy, and controlling impulses of the middle-aged characters who seek to recapture their own youth through the young.
Where it surfaces
- I: Cope at a College Tea
The chapter contrasts Cope's youthful resentment at being called a 'boy' with Randolph's wistful envy of youth, highlighting the tension between generations.
- II: Cope Makes a Sunday Afternoon Call
Cope's youthful, slightly irreverent tone contrasts with Mrs. Phillips's established position and her expectations of deference.
- IV: Cope Is Considered
Randolph contrasts his own settled life with the transient, indifferent nature of students and young instructors like Cope.
- V: Cope Is Considered Further
The chapter contrasts Foster's and Randolph's aging, isolated perspectives with Cope's youthful vitality and the noise of the young women.
- VII: Cope Under Scrutiny
The contrast between Cope's youth and Randolph's age (about fifty) is explicitly noted, highlighting the generational dynamic in their relationship.
- Cope Undertakes an Excursion
Randolph reflects on Cope's youthful energy and his own past, highlighting the contrast between their ages and social styles.
- IX: Cope on the Edge of Things
Randolph struggles to keep up with Cope's energy and youthfulness.
- XI: Cope Enlivens the Country
Medora Phillips reflects on how the absence of youth makes the middle-aged feel more youthful.
- Cope Makes an Evasion
Foster's bitterness toward Cope's youthful vigor and the attention it garners contrasts with his own physical limitations.
- XVI: Cope Goes A-Sailing
Cope's impulsive decision to go sailing despite the risky weather contrasts with the more cautious, experienced perspective of older characters like his aunt and Mrs. Phillips.
- Cope Shall Be Rescued
Foster, older and infirm, contrasts with the young men's vitality and murmuring; Randolph mediates between generations.
- XXVI: Cope as a Go-Between
Lemoyne criticizes Randolph for trying to stay young and consorting with younger men; Randolph sees Lemoyne as a dilettante youth of no real use.
- XXXII: Cope Takes His Degree
Cope's youth and ambition contrast with the older Randolph and Medora, who feel sidelined and nostalgic for his presence.
