Beauty makes like worth living

Beauty makes like worth living, argues Jean Hegland in her novel Into the Forest. In everyday life for Nell and Eva, whether it is before or after the collapse, beauty plays a central role in their existence. The recognition of, and treasuring of beauty, makes life richer, and offers consolation and comfort to the soul.

Prior to the collapse, Nell and Eva have clear futures. Nell wishes to attend Harvard, while Eva wishes to become a professional ballerina. Both girls find beauty in their efforts. Nell finds beauty in knowledge and in the written word, while Eva finds beauty in music and movement. These are very cultural, refined recognitions of beauty, and these are the things around which Nell and Eva want to live their lives.

Indeed, so strong is the pull of beauty that Nell and Eva continue to read and...