Critical Analysis Essay of Wilkie Collins The Moonstone
The Moonstone is a nineteenth-century novel written by Wilkie Collins. It is regarded as one of the best works of the author and is similarly considered as the first form of detective novel. It follows the story of Rachel Verinder, a young woman who inherits a precious diamond for her eighteenth birthday. It was given to her by her corrupt uncle who used to serve as an army officer in India. Unknown to her, the stone has a great religious significance and three Hindu priests are committed to recovering it. During her party, Rachel wears the valuable diamond her dress for everyone to see, but before the night is over, it was stolen from her. After which, different misfortune takes place and an effort to recover the stone and explain its theft ensues (Collins 1). Within the plot, the author presented important themes. This includes experience and knowledge as well as the mysteries of the past (Harrison 225).
Experience and knowledge are two important themes featured in this novel. More particularly it looks at the subjectivity of experience versus the objectivity of knowledge. And the difference between these two is embodied by the characters of Franklin Blake and Rachel Verinder. In this case, Rachel’s is caught between the evidence that it was in fact, Blake who stole her diamond and her overflowing love for him. In the same way, Franklin is caught in a dilemma wherein he must reconcile that he stole Rachel’s diamond and his subjective belief that he would not have done such a thing.
Another important element used to discuss this theme is during the investigation of the missing valuable diamond. It particularly shows the effect of subjectivity on objectivity. In the story, each of the character provides a report of the events and the knowledge they have surrounding the mystery of the missing diamond. However, the reports provided by the characters are more often than not affected by his personal belief and opinion. This in turn has affected the investigation. Coming from this context, the author puts forth the message that humans, much like Rachel and Franklin are often caught in the dilemma to reconcile and find the ground between what is subjective and objective (O’Neil 9).
Another theme in this novel is that of self-sacrifice. This concept is particularly evident in the sacrifice of the Hindu priests who all dedicated their lives in order to recover the missing diamond. Being the guardians of the precious stone as well as part of high society, the Brahmins even disguised themselves as part of the lower caste. Their decision to go undercover is in fact a sacrifice so that they can bring back the stone. Self-sacrifice is also evident in the character of Rachel. In her case, she sacrificed her reputation just so no one would know that it was Franklin who took her stone. The difference however between Rachel and the Hindu priests is that Rachel did this in the name of love while the Brahmins did it for the name of religion and spirituality. Although the two differs, it is clear that their self-sacrifice also involves the same amount of commitment and dedication.
Based on the points provided, it can be concluded that in the novel Moonstone, the author made use of two important themes. This includes subjectivity and objectivity as well as self-sacrifice – both of which were embodied by the characters. Subjectivity and objectivity for example is embodied by the characters of Rachel and Franklin as both tries to reconcile what are the facts from their subjective perspective. In the same way, self-sacrifice is also evident in the decision of the Brahmins to do whatever they can to retrieve the stone.
Works Cited
Collins, W. The Moonstone. NY: Ebook, 1999
Harrison, K. Victorian Sensations. OH: Ohio State University Pressm 2006
O’Neil, P. Willie Collins. NY: Rowman & Littlefield, 1988