The Go Between

How does Hartley use the setting of the novel,The Go Between, in terms of time, as a fitting backdop for Leo's story Hartley chose to set his story in the year 1900. This is important as Hartley wants to convey the idea at the beginning of the novel that Leo believes himself to be living in a year of great promise, and to be witnessing the dawn ‘of a Golden Age'. The novel is concerned …

…for him to be ignorant of actual facts. Obviously a 20th century settling was not specifically required for either of these situations but as previously stated it is very effective to choose a new century and to make it one which was to be gravely affected by conflict - the century which witnessed two world wars suits Hartley's purpose very well. Bibliography Just completed English A level. Now taking an Open University Course in literature.