Emerging Character

I feel that by the end of Water Party we have a much better picture of our protagonists. Birkin and Ursula are slowly building their own private world in isolation, while Gerald and Gudrun are becoming more and more concerned with their place within society and their responsibilities. Both of these developments are plainly stated at the end of water party but are also supported by the manner in which the characters act in the chapter.

            Ursula and Birkin stoically discuss the idea that death is meaningless, and for some people would be an improvement over their current lives. This is in line with Birkin's early bouts of philosophy. The rather insensitive discussion and Ursula’s disconcert with the event latter shows pulling away the pair is beginning to do. Still, they are not independent from passions for each other.

            Gerald and Gudrun appear much more in tune with the other people. Gerald's position of responsibility for the water activates (in a chapter titled Water Party none the less) plants him firmly in the social world. Gudrun's more commonplace and emotional response to the drowning (or was it murder???) also shows her character as one who lives in the world.
            Earlier, I've had issues with the characters for talking big but doing little. The character's actions in response to a significant event offered a clear place for all four to demonstrate their characteristics not just in speech but in action as well.