Moral Predicament: Morley Callaghan's More Joy in Heaven

Barbara McGregor is an associate of Duncan’s English Language
Consulting Ltd. in Edmonton.

Woodcock contends that More Joy in Heaven is arguably Callaghan’s most
widely read and popular book, but that critics have relegated it to the
“half-world of popular culture.” The author’s objective is to
establish the novel as one of religious import and moral criticism. In
the “Reading the Text” section, he clearly and cogently deals with
the shape of the parable, situation, character, and style. To his
credit, he does not speculate unduly as to possible allusions and
illusions. Rather, he firmly establishes the book as one that involves a
moral predicament and illustrates how skilfully Callaghan leads the
reader to what might seem a very likely conclusion. Direct quotes from
Callaghan interviews and writings both entertain and lend credence to
Woodcock’s arguments.

Well-organized and clearly written, this informative text will interest
students of the novel and admirers of Morley Callaghan.