Until the story is swallowed by the larger theme of an intensely Catholic, intensely self-absorbed, aristocratic family. Note: I should mention that I have not seen the 1981 miniseries of the same name. First edition By Evelyn Waugh Last visit to Brideshead Why do we still read Brideshead Revisited An account of aimless, upper-class, young men wasting their time at Oxford University in hedonistic pursuits. And the Flyte household is not the only inflexible entity, as Charles' atheism can be just as bad as any religious belief. Even Brideshead cannot escape this influence, as it reminds me of a beautifully decorated mausoleum which would explain why the Flyte children thrive once they are away from it, especially considering Sebastian's attraction to other men. What it comes down to is religion but not a specific belief system, just the severity of it, for there is a good deal of difference between the Catholicism practiced by Sebastian's mother(Emma Thompson) and the looser version observed in Italy. Surprisingly, the emphasis is not on class divisions, as Charles and Sebastian both have trouble fitting in with their respective families. 'Brideshead Revisited' is an engaging, well-photographed and handsomely produced period piece. Ten years later, Charles will be a successful painter, encountering Julia while returning from abroad. As they are leaving, Charles glances at Sebastian's sister Julia(Hayley Atwell) for a second. Evelyn Waugh's beautiful dialogue plays its part, argues Christopher Hitchens, but the chief source of the novel's power is its summoning of innocence lost on the fields of Flanders. He apologizes profusely and he and Charles become good friends quickly, Sebastian even taking his poorer friend to the family home, Brideshead, for a quick visit. At which point, if on cue, Sebastian Flyte(Ben Whishaw) barges in and vomits on his floor. His cousin Jasper(Richard Teverson) gives him a tour around campus, informs him of the social rules and advises him to move his room from the ground floor. 'Brideshead Revisited' starts in the 1920's as Charles Ryder(Matthew Goode) attends Oxford University as a first year history student.

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh