Obsessions
A recurring theme in The Moonstone is infatuation, or at least an unstoppable dependence on an object or person. Many of the characters are plagued by a sort of addiction that results in them behaving illogically, and not always in their best interests. Two passages from the book that illustrate this theme are the section from Chapter One in which Gabriel Betteredge discusses his favourite book, Robinson Crusoe, and the section from Chapter Four and Five of the third narrative that comprises the long letter from Rosanna to Franklin Blake. The multiple narrators in the novel and the very different ways that they speak force the reader to notice differences in diction and syntax.
Gabriel Betteredge adores his copy of Robinson Crusoe. He expresses his need for the book by saying “when my spirits are bad—Robinson Crusoe. When I want advice – Robinson Crusoe. In past times when my wife has plagued me; in present times when I have had a drop too much on the strength of it– Robinson Crusoe” (9). This passage has a kind of rhythm that emphasizes the last two words of each phrase – the name, Robinson Crusoe. It also repeats the name of the book over and over; the title is mentioned six times in a short paragraph. These two elements of the passage express his obsession. His word choice in the sentences surrounding that passage demonstrate his class position. He uses colloquial language such as “a heap of books” (8). He talks describes the book as “price four shilling and sixpence, bound in blue, with a picture into the bargain” (9). The fact that Betteredge is describes the book in economical terms and as a bargain shows that he is concerned about saving money, and again expressing his class position. Betteredge also attempts to prove himself to the reader, saying that “though turned seventy, I possess an active memory and legs to correspond” (8) in order to develop some sort of credibility. He also says that though he greatly believes that Robinson Crusoe is the greatest book the reader is not to take that as “the saying of an ignorant man” (9). However Betteredge is ignorant for he is oblivious to things that are obvious to the reader and to his daughter, for example Rosanna’s love for Franklin Blake. The book is sole source of answers and he believes that it can answer everything and solve all of his problems. Betteredge is obsessed with Robinson Crusoe, and he turns to it for answers as opposed to asking questions of experts. He believes that, through the aid of Robinson Crusoe, he knows better than anyone would expect of him.
Rosanna is in love with Franklin Blake throughout the book, and she sacrifices herself in an attempt to save him from conviction. Rosanna expresses this love in the letter she writes. The obsessive nature of her unrequited love leads her to address him in terms of self hatred. She writes that she “won’t trouble you with much about” (310) herself, how “there is no need to tell such a common story as this” (310) and she refers to herself as disgraceful. She shows that she does not think herself worthy of Franklin Blake, or her letter worthy of being read by him. She interjects throughout the letter drawing attention to her emotions, saying “Try not to lose patience with me, sir. I will get on as fast as I can with what is sure to interest you.” (310) and “you never noticed it more than you noticed me.” The interjections are colloquial, and establish Rosanna’s position as a service as well as reaffirming the sense of her self hatred. Rosanna’s obsession with Franklin Blake is expressed by the passage “You were like a prince in a fairy story. You were like a lover in a dream. You were the most adorable human creature I had ever seen.” The syntax puts emphasis on the word you, showing her obsession with Blake as well. The repetition of the phrase "you were" sets up the sentence so the reader pays special attention to the second half of it. Her word choice demonstrates her obssession
Gabriel Betteredge adores his copy of Robinson Crusoe. He expresses his need for the book by saying “when my spirits are bad—Robinson Crusoe. When I want advice – Robinson Crusoe. In past times when my wife has plagued me; in present times when I have had a drop too much on the strength of it– Robinson Crusoe” (9). This passage has a kind of rhythm that emphasizes the last two words of each phrase – the name, Robinson Crusoe. It also repeats the name of the book over and over; the title is mentioned six times in a short paragraph. These two elements of the passage express his obsession. His word choice in the sentences surrounding that passage demonstrate his class position. He uses colloquial language such as “a heap of books” (8). He talks describes the book as “price four shilling and sixpence, bound in blue, with a picture into the bargain” (9). The fact that Betteredge is describes the book in economical terms and as a bargain shows that he is concerned about saving money, and again expressing his class position. Betteredge also attempts to prove himself to the reader, saying that “though turned seventy, I possess an active memory and legs to correspond” (8) in order to develop some sort of credibility. He also says that though he greatly believes that Robinson Crusoe is the greatest book the reader is not to take that as “the saying of an ignorant man” (9). However Betteredge is ignorant for he is oblivious to things that are obvious to the reader and to his daughter, for example Rosanna’s love for Franklin Blake. The book is sole source of answers and he believes that it can answer everything and solve all of his problems. Betteredge is obsessed with Robinson Crusoe, and he turns to it for answers as opposed to asking questions of experts. He believes that, through the aid of Robinson Crusoe, he knows better than anyone would expect of him.
Rosanna is in love with Franklin Blake throughout the book, and she sacrifices herself in an attempt to save him from conviction. Rosanna expresses this love in the letter she writes. The obsessive nature of her unrequited love leads her to address him in terms of self hatred. She writes that she “won’t trouble you with much about” (310) herself, how “there is no need to tell such a common story as this” (310) and she refers to herself as disgraceful. She shows that she does not think herself worthy of Franklin Blake, or her letter worthy of being read by him. She interjects throughout the letter drawing attention to her emotions, saying “Try not to lose patience with me, sir. I will get on as fast as I can with what is sure to interest you.” (310) and “you never noticed it more than you noticed me.” The interjections are colloquial, and establish Rosanna’s position as a service as well as reaffirming the sense of her self hatred. Rosanna’s obsession with Franklin Blake is expressed by the passage “You were like a prince in a fairy story. You were like a lover in a dream. You were the most adorable human creature I had ever seen.” The syntax puts emphasis on the word you, showing her obsession with Blake as well. The repetition of the phrase "you were" sets up the sentence so the reader pays special attention to the second half of it. Her word choice demonstrates her obssession
posted by Anonymous at 12:17 PM
1 Comments:
Rebecca,
I liked your close analysis of how the syntax and rhythm of the quotes reveal a character's obsession; however, I was confused by the interjection of how this also explains and emphasizes their class or social status. I also felt that it ended a little abruptly. Perhaps a concluding paragraph tying your observations about the characters' social-status' and obsessions would make your point more obvious to the reader.
-A.
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