The Moonstone

By Wilkie Collins

“The Moonstone” is a classic detective novel that uses various literary devices to create a gripping and suspenseful plot. Written by Wilkie Collins, the book employs multiple narrators, shifting perspectives, and red herrings to keep readers guessing until the very end. With its richly detailed characters, intricate plot twists, and atmospheric setting, “The Moonstone” is a must-read for anyone interested in mystery, intrigue, and Victorian literature.

Themes 📚

1. Greed and Materialism: The quest for the valuable diamond, the Moonstone, drives many of the characters in the novel to commit theft, deception, and even murder. Collins uses this theme to criticize the obsession with wealth and material possessions in Victorian society.
2. Fate and Destiny: The concept of fate is explored throughout the novel, with various characters believing that the Moonstone brings either good or bad luck. This theme is also linked to the idea of determinism, with characters feeling trapped by their circumstances and unable to control their own destinies.
3. Colonialism and Imperialism: The Moonstone was stolen from India during the colonial period, and its origins and cultural significance are repeatedly referenced throughout the novel. Collins uses this theme to highlight the exploitation and mistreatment of colonized peoples by the British Empire.
4. Gender Roles and Patriarchy: The novel presents a variety of female characters who are subject to restrictive gender roles and patriarchal power structures. Collins uses this theme to critique the limited opportunities available to women in Victorian society and to highlight the ways in which men use their power to control and manipulate women.
5. Justice and the Legal System: The investigation into the theft of the Moonstone is a major plot point in the novel, and Collins uses this theme to explore the flaws and limitations of the legal system. He also raises questions about the ethics of punishment and the true nature of justice.
6. Appearance vs. Reality: Many of the characters in the novel are not who they seem, and Collins uses this theme to keep readers guessing and to demonstrate the danger of making assumptions based on appearances. This theme is closely linked to the idea of deception, which is a recurring motif throughout the novel.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Multiple Narrators: The novel is told from multiple perspectives, with each narrator providing their own interpretation of events. This literary device creates a sense of suspense and allows for multiple plotlines to develop simultaneously.
2. Flashbacks: The novel makes use of flashbacks to provide background information and to reveal key details about the characters. These flashbacks also add depth and complexity to the narrative.
3. Red Herrings: The author uses red herrings to mislead readers and create a sense of mystery. These false clues are designed to keep readers guessing and to heighten the suspense.
4. Symbolism: The Moonstone itself is a powerful symbol that represents greed, corruption, and the destructive nature of materialism. Other symbols in the novel include the cursed Indian treasure and the opium den, which represent the dangers of addiction.
5. Foreshadowing: Collins uses foreshadowing to hint at future events and to create a sense of inevitability. For example, the opening chapters of the novel establish a sense of foreboding that sets the tone for the rest of the story.
6. Irony: The novel makes use of irony to highlight the contradictions and absurdities of Victorian society. For example, the wealthy characters who are obsessed with the Moonstone are shown to be morally bankrupt and deeply flawed.
7. Mystery: The Moonstone is first and foremost a mystery novel, and the author uses various literary devices to create a sense of intrigue and suspense. The identity of the thief is kept hidden until the end of the book, and the novel’s many twists and turns keep readers guessing throughout.
8. Characterization: The novel features a wide cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities, motivations, and quirks. Collins uses careful characterization to create a sense of realism and to make the characters feel fully realized and three-dimensional.
9. Setting: The novel’s setting, a sprawling country estate in England, is a key element of the story. The isolated and mysterious atmosphere of the estate creates a sense of claustrophobia and tension, while the rural landscape adds to the sense of unease.
10. Humor: While the novel is primarily a mystery, Collins also employs humor to keep the reader engaged and to add levity to the story. The interactions between the characters are often lighthearted and witty, and the author uses irony and satire to critique Victorian society.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Multiple First-Person Narrators

“The Moonstone” is told from the perspective of multiple first-person narrators, each providing their own accounts of the events surrounding the diamond’s disappearance.

Example	Explanation
Gabriel Betteredge’s narrative	As the steward of the Verinder house, Betteredge provides a detailed and intimate account of the events leading up to and following the theft of the Moonstone. His narrative establishes the mystery and sets the tone for the rest of the novel.
Miss Clack’s narrative	Miss Clack, a relative of the Verinder family, offers a contrasting perspective. Her narrative is more pious and self-righteous, providing a different interpretation of events.
Franklin Blake’s narrative	Franklin Blake, a cousin of Rachel Verinder and one of the suspects, provides his own perspective, giving insights into his own motives and actions.

2. Suspense

Suspense is a key element of any detective novel, and “The Moonstone” is no exception.

Example	Explanation
The disappearance of the Moonstone	The unexpected disappearance of the diamond immediately after Rachel’s birthday party creates a sense of suspense that drives the narrative forward.
The appearance of the three Indian jugglers	The mysterious presence of the three Indian jugglers and their apparent interest in the Moonstone adds to the suspense and intrigue of the novel.
The unexpected confession	When Rachel Verinder suddenly confesses to stealing the Moonstone, the suspense increases as readers try to understand her motives and the truth behind her confession.

3. Foreshadowing

Collins often uses foreshadowing to hint at future events in the narrative.

Example	Explanation
The Prologue	The Prologue, which tells the violent history of the Moonstone, foreshadows the misfortunes that will befall those who possess it.
Betteredge’s superstition	Betteredge’s belief in the influence of Robinson Crusoe as a prophecy book foreshadows the later importance of this book in the discovery of the Moonstone’s thief.
Franklin Blake’s experiment	When Franklin Blake decides to recreate the night of the theft, it foreshadows the revelation of the true thief.

4. Symbolism

Symbolism is used throughout “The Moonstone” to represent abstract ideas.

Example	Explanation
The Moonstone	The diamond itself symbolizes greed, colonial exploitation, and the negative consequences that can come from the desire for wealth and power.
The Shivering Sand	This quicksand, which almost swallows up Rosanna, symbolizes danger, death, and the unstable nature of secrets.
The Painted Door in Rachel’s room	The door, marked by the smeared paint left by Franklin Blake, symbolizes the mystery of the missing diamond and the stain on the reputation of the Verinder family.

FAQs 💭