The Woman In White

By Wilkie Collins

“The Woman In White” by Wilkie Collins is a classic mystery novel that employs various literary devices to keep readers on the edge of their seats. From the use of multiple narrators to the incorporation of suspenseful imagery, this novel is a masterpiece in the art of storytelling.

Themes 📚

1. The theme of Identity: Collins explores the idea of identity and how it can be obscured or manipulated in the novel through various characters.
2. The theme of Appearance vs. Reality: The novel highlights how appearances can be deceiving and things may not always be as they seem.
3. The theme of Love and Marriage: The novel examines the different forms of love and the societal expectations of marriage during the Victorian era.
4. The theme of Social Class: Collins uses the novel to critique the rigid social classes of Victorian society and how they can impact individuals.
5. The theme of Law and Justice: The novel explores the legal system of the time and how justice can be swayed by power and wealth.
6. The theme of Madness: Collins delves into the concept of madness and how it can be manipulated or faked for personal gain.
7. The theme of Gender Roles: The novel highlights the restrictive gender roles of the time and the limited opportunities for women.
8. The theme of Secrets and Lies: The novel is filled with secrets and lies that are gradually uncovered as the story progresses.
9. The theme of Power and Control: The novel explores the different ways in which characters seek power and control over others.
10. The theme of Fate and Destiny: Collins explores the idea of fate and how it can shape the lives of individuals.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Foreshadowing: The author uses foreshadowing to hint at events that will occur later in the novel, creating tension and anticipation for the reader.
2. Epistolary form: The novel is written in an epistolary form, with different characters telling their stories through letters and diary entries, creating a multifaceted perspective on the events of the novel.
3. Gothic atmosphere: The novel has a gothic atmosphere, with dark, foreboding settings and an emphasis on suspense and mystery.
4. Multiple narrators: The story is told through multiple narrators, each with their own unique voice and perspective, adding depth and complexity to the novel.
5. Symbolism: The author uses symbolism to represent abstract concepts and add depth to the story, such as the white dress that symbolizes purity and innocence.
6. Irony: The novel contains irony, with characters and events that are unexpected or contradictory, adding layers of complexity to the story.
7. Allusion: The author alludes to other literary works and historical events, adding depth and meaning to the story for readers familiar with these references.
8. Mood: The author creates a mood through the use of descriptive language, setting, and characterization, such as the melancholy mood created by the character of Anne Catherick.
9. Plot twists: The novel contains numerous plot twists, keeping the reader engaged and on their toes.
10. Characterization: The author uses characterization to create fully developed and complex characters, such as the villainous Count Fosco and the heroic Walter Hartright.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Epistolary Structure

Example	Explanation
Multiple narrators	The novel employs several different narrators, each contributing their own letters, diary entries, or testimonies, which provides different perspectives on the story.
Walter Hartright’s narrative	Walter begins and ends the novel, and his narrative sections provide a large part of the plot.
Marian Halcombe’s diary	Marian’s diary entries give us insight into her thoughts and feelings, and reveal crucial plot developments.

2. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
The early appearance of the Woman in White	Her appearance and warnings to Walter foreshadow the mystery and danger to come.
Marian overhearing Sir Percival and Fosco	Marian’s overhearing of their conversation foreshadows their nefarious plans.
Anne Catherick’s grave	The premature grave for Anne Catherick foreshadows her supposed death and the subsequent identity confusion.

3. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The Woman in White	Anne Catherick, the Woman in White, is a symbol of innocence and victimhood.
Blackwater Park	The estate is a symbol of the entrapment and manipulation the villains impose on the women.
Laura’s marriage to Sir Percival	Their marriage symbolizes the societal norms of the time, where women were often trapped in oppressive marriages.

4. Irony

Example	Explanation
Anne Catherick’s knowledge of Sir Percival’s secret	The irony lies in the fact that Anne, who is deemed mad, knows the truth about Sir Percival.
Sir Percival’s death	Sir Percival dies in a fire while trying to destroy the evidence of his fraud, which is ironic considering his efforts to maintain his lie.
Count Fosco’s admiration of Marian	Despite being enemies, Count Fosco holds a genuine admiration for Marian, which creates an ironic situation.

FAQs 💭