The Horse's Mouth by Joyce Cary

Joyce Cary's “The Horse’s Mouth” is a unique and thought-provoking novel capturing the life of an artist with a never-say-die spirit. It is an intense and detailed depiction of an individual who is constantly searching and learning. The artist Gulley Jimson is a poor artist, living in a mini-London near Deptford Creek, who is endlessly in search of “the big canvas” for his masterpiece. In a display of brutality and wit, Gulley Jimson presents a profound reflection on the artist’s struggle against the forces at work in the world. The novel follows Jimson’s tumultuous journey as he battles society, internal struggles and his own personal limitations to create his ideal masterwork.

The author, Joyce Cary, takes us through the events of Jimson’s life with both humor and sadness as we follow him on his quest for success in the art world. Jimson starts his journey by taking a series of wretched jobs in the hopes of raising some money to buy materials for his artwork. He showcases a lively and rebellious spirit throughout, yet at the same time he continually falls victim to the greed of his employers. As Jimson continues to fight for what he believes in and make his art, he also loses friends and family along the way from his single-minded pursuits.

Despite his numerous hurdles, Jimson manages to keep his creativity alive, pushed on by his abiding belief in his talent. He is constantly being inspired by his environment, adding character and insight to his works. There are moments throughout the text when the reader can truly appreciate the beauty of Jimson’s artistic rendering and understand his drive to make great art.

In this story, Cary presents a vivid and clever insight into the life of an artist, conveying the notion that there is always battle to be had. In this possibly semi-autobiographical novel, Cary admits that ‘...in some form or other one is always running or struggling…one enters into life as an artist, always fighting’ (Cary 243). This is apparent in the main character’s drive to never give up and to keep searching for any and all outlets to create a greater work, despite the odds.

At heart, The Horse’s Mouth is a novel about a broken-hearted artist and all that he must conquer in order to find his “big canvas.” Despite its bleak tone, the message of Joyce Cary’s masterpiece is that art is a powerful thing, something to cling to and strive for even if the odds seem to be against you. The novel demonstrates what hope, courage and conviction can bring to the individual who refuses to give up in pursuit of their craft. We can all learn a great deal from Jimson’s inspiring journey and his intense struggle against society and his own limits in order to realize his ambition. The Horse’s Mouth is ultimately a celebration of one man’s courage and perseverance, inspiring us all to continue valiantly in our own pursuits.