Two Opposing Lives
Social structure plays a key role in the novel, The Moonstone and results in severe repercussions. Rosanna Spearman and Rachel Verinder, though lacking an intimate relationship or a mutual social status, are prime examples of the harsh effects social structure has on women. The two characters are complete opposites in almost everyway but end up in identical situations that end drastically different as a result of a social placement. They share one common factor, which brings them close enough together to be accused of being the co-conspiring thieves of the Moonstone. This common factor which upsets both their lives and ends one, is an imprudent love for Mr. Franklin Blake.
Rosanna Spearman’s past is clouded with thievery and prison. It is explained that Lady Verinder took Rosanna on as a servant to give her a second chance. Spearman’s character is shown to be grateful but simultaneously extremely dejected about her situation. The characters deformed shoulder can be seen as symbolic of her social cripple. Her social status and appearance are repeatedly referred to and found comical by some. Mr. Betteredge goes so far to outwardly scorn his daughter’s opinion by laughing at the thought of Rosanna being in love with Franklin Blake. Rosanna herself says, “I went on getting fonder and fonder of you, just as if I was a lady in your own rank of life, and the most beautiful creature your eyes ever rested on.”(Collins 311) Spearman’s infatuation and blatant awareness of her self-worth ultimately result in her suicide.
Rachel Verinder was born into a family of great worth. She is described in several narratives as a unique character, different from the majority of her sex which made her an outsider. “Rachel Verinder’s first instinct… was to shut herself up in her own mind, and to think it over by herself. This absolute self-dependence is a great virtue in a man. In a woman it has the serious drawback of morally separating her from the mass of her sex…”(Collins 270) Though viewed as “different” Collins still gives Rachel Verinder qualities that are considered distinguished among men, as well as great beauty. By twisting her negative qualities into something positive she becomes more idyllic and further more suitable for the role of the higher class figure.
Spearman and Verinder’s mutual love for Mr. Blake creates a common tie between them which causes them to react similarly. Both women go to drastic measures attempting to protect Franklin’s reputation and keep him from being exposed as the thief. Spearman buries the evidence of his paint-stained nightgown within vast grave of the Shivering Sands and later chooses to end the torment of unrequited love by joining her secret. Rachel Verinder becomes a recluse, refusing to help with the investigation; she also threatens her reputation by acting “scandalously” and not restraining her temperament. Through out the novel Spearman’s one-sided relationship with Blake is viewed as an infatuation, this view is only formed because of her social status and physical appearance. On the other hand Miss Verinder’s interest is seen as love because it is, opposed to Spearman’s, completely attainable. The social hierarchy of this novel creates completely contradictory endings for two women in similar situations.
Rosanna Spearman’s past is clouded with thievery and prison. It is explained that Lady Verinder took Rosanna on as a servant to give her a second chance. Spearman’s character is shown to be grateful but simultaneously extremely dejected about her situation. The characters deformed shoulder can be seen as symbolic of her social cripple. Her social status and appearance are repeatedly referred to and found comical by some. Mr. Betteredge goes so far to outwardly scorn his daughter’s opinion by laughing at the thought of Rosanna being in love with Franklin Blake. Rosanna herself says, “I went on getting fonder and fonder of you, just as if I was a lady in your own rank of life, and the most beautiful creature your eyes ever rested on.”(Collins 311) Spearman’s infatuation and blatant awareness of her self-worth ultimately result in her suicide.
Rachel Verinder was born into a family of great worth. She is described in several narratives as a unique character, different from the majority of her sex which made her an outsider. “Rachel Verinder’s first instinct… was to shut herself up in her own mind, and to think it over by herself. This absolute self-dependence is a great virtue in a man. In a woman it has the serious drawback of morally separating her from the mass of her sex…”(Collins 270) Though viewed as “different” Collins still gives Rachel Verinder qualities that are considered distinguished among men, as well as great beauty. By twisting her negative qualities into something positive she becomes more idyllic and further more suitable for the role of the higher class figure.
Spearman and Verinder’s mutual love for Mr. Blake creates a common tie between them which causes them to react similarly. Both women go to drastic measures attempting to protect Franklin’s reputation and keep him from being exposed as the thief. Spearman buries the evidence of his paint-stained nightgown within vast grave of the Shivering Sands and later chooses to end the torment of unrequited love by joining her secret. Rachel Verinder becomes a recluse, refusing to help with the investigation; she also threatens her reputation by acting “scandalously” and not restraining her temperament. Through out the novel Spearman’s one-sided relationship with Blake is viewed as an infatuation, this view is only formed because of her social status and physical appearance. On the other hand Miss Verinder’s interest is seen as love because it is, opposed to Spearman’s, completely attainable. The social hierarchy of this novel creates completely contradictory endings for two women in similar situations.
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