The Pagans

"The Pagans" by Arlo Bates is a book that looks closely at the tricky relationship between love, art, and what society expects from people, especially those caught between what they truly want and what's considered normal. It tells the story of Arthur Fenton, a young artist about to get married, and his complicated friendship with Helen, a gifted sculptor. They have very different ideas about love and what it means to commit to someone. The story starts in a creative setting, with Arthur and Helen talking in her well-decorated room. Arthur is getting ready to marry Edith Caldwell, but their conversation shows that he's not totally happy with the idea of marriage and that he thinks society is forcing him into it. Helen sees through Arthur, both admiring him and understanding his flaws, which suggests she might have stronger feelings for him than just friendship. Their talk is full of cleverness and deep thinking, showing how both of them are trying to find their way through their own personal problems and their relationships with each other.