Brideshead Revisited

In the winter of 1939, Lord Marchmain decides to return to Brideshead from Venice in view of the deteriorating international situation. It soon becomes apparent that he is in declining health and has in fact come home to die. He has taken a dislike to Bridey's new wife and suggests he may leave Brideshead Castle to Julia and Charles. Religion - specifically whether Lord Marchmain will accept the last rites - becomes an issue. Charles simply cannot understand or accept the family's religious beliefs but in his dying moments, Lord Marchmain does provide a sign indicating his wishes. The entire episode forever changes Charles and Julia's relationship. In the spring of 1944, Charles, now an army Captain, living on the grounds of Brideshead Castle, walks the corridors of a place he knows so well and remembers the life that is past him.

Sebastian's decline continues and there is little anyone seems able to do about it. He is terribly unhappy about his family situation and seems bent on destroying any relationships he may still have left. Soon he is sent down and Charles subsequently learns that Sebastian and Mr. Samgrass will be departing for a tour of Middle Eastern monasteries. Change comes for Charles himself when he decides not to return to Oxford but rather to pursue perfecting his talents as an artist. He attends an art school in Paris and hears little of Sebastian during these months. Throughout it all however, he remains loyal to his good friend despite Lady Marchmain's attempts to co-opt him.

The aristocratic Sebastian invites his middle-class university friend Charles to spend a glorious summer at the amazing family home, Brideshead.