Malcolm Lowry's Under the Volcano is celebrated for its rich prose and depth, exploring themes of despair and redemption set in Mexico on the Day of the Dead. Critics commend its haunting atmosphere and complex characters but note its challenging narrative structure and dense, sometimes impenetrable language. This masterpiece is both lauded and critiqued for its demanding yet rewarding read.

Ideal for readers who appreciate intricate character studies and rich, symbolic prose, Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry resonates with fans of existential literature like The Stranger by Albert Camus and the psychological depth of Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry follows the Consul, Geoffrey Firmin, a former British diplomat with an alcohol addiction, in Quauhnahuac, Mexico, on the day of his death in 1938. The narrative explores his tumultuous relationships with his ex-wife Yvonne, his half-brother Hugh, and friend-turned-enemy Jacques Laruelle, culminating in a tragic and reflective journey on the Day of the Dead. The book includes depictions of addiction to alcohol and contains outdated and offensive language.

Dark / Melancholic / Mysterious / Unnerving / Challenging

- Under the Volcano was adapted into a film in 1984, directed by John Huston and starring Albert Finney, whose performance as the troubled consul was critically acclaimed.
- Malcolm Lowry spent over ten years working on Under the Volcano, drawing heavily on his own experiences in Mexico and his battles with alcoholism.
- The novel was almost lost to history when its first draft, along with other personal belongings of Lowry, was stolen while he and his wife were traveling in Spain.

Malcolm Lowry

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Overview

Get ready to explore Under the Volcano and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Under the Volcano Summary

Background

Under the Volcano Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Under the Volcano Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Under the Volcano Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

Under the Volcano Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

Under the Volcano Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Under the Volcano Character Analysis

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Themes

Under the Volcano Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Under the Volcano Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Under the Volcano Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Under the Volcano Essay Topics

Under the Volcano

Before You Read

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Who Should Read Under the Volcano?

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