What influence does Mr. Morton have on the couple’s situation? Do you think his actions are designed to bring them together, or is he acting completely without motive?
My second favorite character in the book. He was a sly old dog. He knew from the beginning what he was doing. He knew that eventually once he had the bookstore settled he would go to Calcutta - he had known that all along. He gave Evelyn and William the space to ‘see’ each other and fall in love. His motive was to keep the bookstore in the family - meaning William - and to see him settled in - preferably with a wife. And once he met Evelyn he knew who that would be.
I think he does know what he’s doing, and that his motive is to bring together William and
Evelyn.
I felt Mr. Morton was not pushing hard for the relationship but he could also see that his nephew was faced with some of the same decisions he had faced as a young man. Mr. Morton gave enough of his story to William so that William could make his on decisions.
I agree with Linnie. I do think that when he knew that William loved Evelyn that it made it easier for him to change his life.
I think Mr. Morton had a big impact on the couple’s situation. I think they were encouraged by his past, and he by their present situation. His actions were not just for his own reasons; I think he was trying to get them to see what everyone else saw and they could not. He definitely had motives!
He was a good guy, for sure! He loved William and actually owed the newfound success of his store to William and Evelyn. Otherwise, he would have stayed hidden in the back.