# John Bidlake — Point Counter Point character guide

> John Bidlake in Point Counter Point by Aldous Huxley.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Bidlake, old John, old Bidlake

**First appearance:** 0001-ii

## Who they are

A famous painter and Walter's father, a domineering patriarch.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/point_counter_point_se/chapters/i)

Mentioned as Walter's father, who will be at the Tantamounts' party and whom Walter plans to see.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/point_counter_point_se/chapters/ii)

Recalls his past affair with Hilda Tantamount, contrasts his natural sensuality with Lord Edward's timid love, and displays his boredom and irreverence during the concert, mocking the audience's pious attention to music.

### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/point_counter_point_se/chapters/iv)

Reflects on his past with Mrs. Betterton and his painting of Jenny Smith, confronting his own aging and the decay of beauty.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/point_counter_point_se/chapters/v)

Referenced as a great artist and cynic; his remarks about art and imbeciles are discussed by Burlap and Mrs. Betterton.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/point_counter_point_se/chapters/xiv)

Mentioned in a flashback: his marriage to Mrs. Bidlake failed after his health returned and he resumed his old ways.

### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/point_counter_point_se/chapters/xx)

Referenced in the opening simile comparing Sidney Quarles to a baroque church with a sham façade, providing a critical perspective on Sidney's character.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/point_counter_point_se/chapters/xxiv)

Doctors examine a cancerous growth at the pylorus, considering surgery despite his age.

### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/point_counter_point_se/chapters/xxvii)

Returns to Gattenden as a sick and dying man, having lived a life of 'sleeping around' and avoiding definite commitments.

### [Chapter XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/point_counter_point_se/chapters/xxx)

Refuses to paint despite Elinor's coaxing, consumed by fear of illness and death.

### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/point_counter_point_se/chapters/xxxv)

Paints with fury, enjoys a brief revival of spirits, but suffers from a painful obstruction and is forced to lie down.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/point_counter_point_se/characters/john_bidlake
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/point_counter_point_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/point_counter_point_se/characters