Introduction

The Cider House Rules by John Irving is a poignant and complex novel that delves into the moral dilemmas of abortion, the search for identity, and the struggle between personal choice and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of an orphanage in rural Maine, this literary work blends drama, coming-of-age themes, and ethical questioning in a way that challenges readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values. Through its richly developed characters and intricate plot, the novel explores the intricacies of love, duty, and the rules that govern both.

The Cider House Rules is set primarily in St. Cloud’s, an orphanage in rural Maine, during the first half of the 20th century. The novel revolves around Dr. Wilbur Larch, an obstetrician and the director of the orphanage, and Homer Wells, one of the orphans raised under Larch’s care. Larch performs illegal abortions as part of his medical practice, believing it is a necessary service in a world where women have limited options. Homer, however, grows up with a different perspective, eventually rejecting abortion and leaving St. Cloud’s to find his own path.

The story is structured around Homer’s coming-of-age journey, Dr. Larch’s complex relationship with the practice of abortion, and the moral questions that arise from their differing views. The novel is divided into two main parts: Homer’s life at the orphanage and his life after leaving it. Each part is filled with rich character development and key events that drive the narrative forward.

Dr. Wilbur Larch: The Moral Compromise

Dr. Wilbur Larch is a central figure in The Cider House Rules, serving as both a mentor to Homer Wells and a morally conflicted character in his own right. Larch’s background as a medical student who becomes disillusioned with the suffering of women seeking illegal abortions shapes his decision to offer safe, though illegal, procedures at St. Cloud’s. His dual role as a provider of both life (through delivering babies) and choice (through performing abortions) reflects the novel’s exploration of moral ambiguity.

One of the most significant examples of Larch’s complex morality is his insistence that the orphans be told the truth about their situations. He names each child and reads to them nightly from David Copperfield, instilling in them a sense of identity and worth. Despite his illegal activities, Larch’s commitment to the well-being of the orphans is unquestionable.

Homer Wells: The Search for Identity

Homer Wells, the protagonist, is a boy who never finds a permanent family and grows up under the tutelage of Dr. Larch. As he matures, Homer becomes Larch’s apprentice, learning both the skills of obstetrics and the practices of abortion. However, Homer’s moral compass leads him to a different conclusion than Larch’s. He rejects abortion, feeling that he cannot reconcile it with his understanding of life and death.

Homer’s departure from St. Cloud’s marks the beginning of his journey toward self-discovery. He finds work at an apple orchard owned by the Worthington family, where he falls in love with Candy Kendall, a pivotal character in his life. The orchard’s cider house, where the migrant workers live, becomes a symbol of the rules that govern society versus the rules individuals create for themselves.

The Cider House Rules: Symbolism and Themes

The title of the novel refers to the set of rules posted in the cider house where the orchard’s workers reside. These rules, which the workers neither read nor follow, symbolize the broader theme of societal versus personal rules. Just as the workers ignore the rules of the cider house, the characters in the novel grapple with the rules imposed by society, religion, and their own moral beliefs.

One of the novel’s most memorable quotes, “The rules are not made for people who are unwilling to follow them,” spoken by one of the workers, encapsulates this theme. The characters’ lives are dictated by the rules they choose to accept or reject, reflecting the novel’s exploration of personal autonomy and the consequences of those choices.

Homer’s Life at St. Cloud’s

Homer’s early life at St. Cloud’s is marked by his attempts to find a family, a desire that is never fulfilled. Dr. Larch becomes a father figure to him, teaching him the skills of obstetrics and involving him in the orphanage’s operations. Despite Larch’s influence, Homer struggles with the moral implications of abortion. His internal conflict is highlighted when he assists Larch with an abortion and realizes he cannot continue to perform them.

A significant event in this section is Homer’s discovery of Larch’s secret history, including his addiction to ether and the personal tragedies that led him to his current beliefs. This discovery deepens Homer’s understanding of Larch’s complexities and sets the stage for his eventual departure from St. Cloud’s.

Life at the Orchard and the Love Triangle

After leaving St. Cloud’s, Homer moves to the Worthington family’s apple orchard, where he becomes involved in the daily operations and the lives of those around him. Here, he meets and falls in love with Candy Kendall, who is in a relationship with Wally Worthington, the orchard owner’s son. This love triangle adds emotional depth to the story, as Homer grapples with his feelings for Candy and his friendship with Wally.

One of the most poignant moments in the novel occurs when Wally goes missing in action during World War II, leaving Candy and Homer to navigate their relationship without him. This period of uncertainty forces Homer to confront his feelings and the choices he must make regarding his future with Candy.

The Return to St. Cloud’s

As the novel progresses, Homer is drawn back to St. Cloud’s, where he ultimately takes over Dr. Larch’s role at the orphanage. This return signifies Homer’s acceptance of his past and the responsibilities that come with it. Despite his initial rejection of abortion, Homer begins to see the complexity of the issue through the experiences of those around him, including Candy’s own unplanned pregnancy.

Homer’s decision to perform abortions after returning to St. Cloud’s marks a significant shift in his character. It represents his recognition of the difficult choices people must make and his acceptance of the role he can play in helping them navigate those choices.

The Cider House Rules is a novel that challenges readers to think deeply about the moral and ethical issues surrounding abortion, autonomy, and the rules that govern our lives. John Irving’s ability to create complex characters who grapple with these issues in deeply personal ways has made the book a powerful and enduring work of literature. Through its rich narrative and emotional depth, the novel offers readers a window into the complexities of human experience and the difficult choices we all must face.

The book’s critical reception has been largely positive, with praise for its handling of sensitive topics and its exploration of moral ambiguity. It continues to resonate with readers, particularly in discussions about reproductive rights and the role of personal choice in a world filled with conflicting rules and expectations. The novel’s relevance to contemporary debates on these issues ensures that it remains a significant and thought-provoking work.

In summary, The Cider House Rules by John Irving is a novel that intricately weaves together themes of love, duty, and moral conflict, challenging readers to reflect on the rules they live by and the choices they make. Through its memorable characters and powerful narrative, the novel stands as a profound exploration of the human condition.