A Severed Head by Iris Murdoch is a satirical, farcical novel set in London, where affluent wine merchant Martin Lynch-Gibbon navigates the complexities of his relationships, including his marriage to Antonia and his affair with Georgie. As Antonia plans to leave Martin for her psychoanalyst, Palmer Anderson, Martin reassesses his outlook on love amidst entanglements with Palmer's half-sister, Honor Klein. Topics include adultery, incest, and the sexual liberation among upper-class Brits.

- A Severed Head was adapted into a stage play in 1963 by Iris Murdoch and playwright J.B. Priestley, demonstrating the book's unique appeal in both literary and theatrical forms.
- The novel explores complex themes of identity and morality, with Murdoch weaving elements of Freudian psychoanalysis throughout the narrative, which adds a layer of philosophical depth to the story.
- A film adaptation of A Severed Head was released in 1970, directed by Dick Clement, expanding the novel's reach to a wider audience through the cinematic medium.

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A Severed Head

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