“The Moonstone” by Wilkie Collins is a novel that has been captivating readers since its publication in 1868. The book is a classic mystery novel that centers around the theft of a precious diamond, the Moonstone, and its mysterious curse. The story unfolds with suspense and intrigue as various characters become entangled in the search for the stolen gem.
While the plot of “The Moonstone” is certainly captivating, the novel is also rich in allegory. The Moonstone itself is a symbol of power, greed, and corruption. The novel explores the consequences of these vices and the impact they have on individuals and society as a whole. Through the characters and their actions, Collins illustrates the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of morality and ethics.
Overview of ‘The Moonstone’
‘The Moonstone’ is a novel written by Wilkie Collins in 1868. The book is an early example of the modern detective novel and is considered one of the first English detective novels. The story revolves around the theft of a large diamond, known as the Moonstone, from an Indian temple and its subsequent journey to England.
The novel is divided into three parts, with each part narrated by a different character. The first part is narrated by an anonymous member of the Verinder family, who explains the history of the Moonstone and its journey to England. The second part is narrated by Gabriel Betteredge, the head servant at the Verinder estate. The third and final part is narrated by Sergeant Cuff, a detective hired to investigate the theft of the diamond.
The novel explores themes such as greed, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of wealth. It also touches on issues such as colonialism and cultural appropriation. The Moonstone is a complex and multi-layered novel that combines elements of mystery, romance, and social commentary.
Historical Context of ‘The Moonstone’
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins is set in the mid-19th century, a time of immense social, economic, and political transformation in England. During this period, the country was undergoing a crucial period in the history of British colonialism in India. The novel reflects the Victorian era’s fascination with exoticism, mystery, and the supernatural.
The novel’s plot revolves around the theft of a valuable diamond, the Moonstone, from an Indian temple and its subsequent journey to England. The novel’s setting and characters reflect the social and economic changes taking place in England at the time, particularly the rise of the middle class and the decline of the landed gentry.
The Moonstone is considered to be one of the earliest examples of the modern detective novel. The novel’s popularity was in part due to the public’s fascination with crime and detection, which was fueled by the rise of forensic science and the growth of the police force in the mid-19th century.
The Moonstone also reflects the Victorian era’s attitudes towards women and their role in society. The novel’s female characters are portrayed as strong and independent, challenging the traditional gender roles of the time. The novel’s themes of morality, justice, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power are still relevant today.
Main Themes in ‘The Moonstone’
The Moonstone, written by Wilkie Collins, explores several themes that are relevant even today. The novel is a mystery story, but it also delves into social issues, such as the role of women, colonialism, and the impact of industrialization.
One of the main themes explored in The Moonstone is the conflict between subjective experience and objective knowledge. This conflict is evident in the characters of Rachel Verinder and Franklin Blake, who experience the competition between these two forces. The novel shows that the truth of a matter is heavily influenced by the observers, and the narrators of the story have varying levels of veracity.
Another important theme in The Moonstone is the relationship between science and religion. The novel was published during a time of immense social, economic, and political transformation in England, and the controversy surrounding Darwinian theory is reflected in the novel. The characters of Miss Clack and Betteredge have differing forms of Christian moralism, and Godfrey Ablewhite’s women’s charities reflect the changing economic landscape.
The Moonstone also explores the impact of colonialism on India and the British Empire. The novel takes place during a time when the British Empire was expanding, and the diamond itself is a symbol of colonialism. The novel shows that colonialism is not just about economic exploitation, but it also has a cultural and psychological impact on both the colonizer and the colonized.
Allegorical Significance
The Moonstone as a Symbol
The Moonstone in Wilkie Collins’ novel serves as a symbol for the exotic, impenetrable, and dark mysticism of the East. The stone’s journey through the hands of the Indians, Colonel Herncastle, the Verinders, and its eventual return to India can be interpreted as an allegory of the colonialism process. The novel’s portrayal of the Moonstone as a symbol of the East reflects the Victorian fascination with the Orient and the cultural imperialism of the British Empire.
Characters as Allegorical Figures
The characters in the novel can be interpreted as allegorical figures that represent different aspects of society. For example, the character of Franklin Blake can be seen as a representation of the upper-class Victorian gentleman, with his charm, good looks, and gentlemanly manners. On the other hand, the character of Rosanna Spearman can be seen as a representation of the lower classes, with her poverty, lack of education, and servitude.
The character of Rachel Verinder can be seen as a representation of the Victorian woman, with her beauty, grace, and innocence. The character of Sergeant Cuff can be seen as a representation of the law and order, with his detective skills and adherence to the law. The character of Ezra Jennings can be seen as a representation of the outsider, with his foreign background and unconventional methods.
Colonialism and Imperialism
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins is a novel that reflects the theme of colonialism and imperialism. The story takes place during a crucial period in the history of British colonialism in India. The novel presents a clear metaphor for the British plunder of India, which was uncommon for Victorian England.
The theft and return of the Moonstone in the novel are symbolic of the colonialism process. The novel’s preface tells of “the wicked Colonel” John Herncastle’s involvement in the 1799 taking of Seringapatnam, a battle during which the British overthrew the Indian ruler Tipu Sultan. The Moonstone’s origins are in India, where it is described as an object of great spiritual and monetary value.
The novel also portrays the economic pressures that threaten the old-money, landed gentry of England. The Verinders, who are the primary characters in the novel, are a wealthy family that has made their fortune through colonialism and imperialism. The novel highlights how the wealth of the Verinders is directly linked to their involvement in the exploitation of India.
The Role of Fate and Free Will
When examining “The Moonstone” by Wilkie Collins, it is evident that the theme of fate versus free will is present throughout the novel. While some characters believe in fate and destiny, others believe in the power of their own choices.
For instance, Rachel Verinder believes that fate is predetermined and that the events in her life are out of her control. She is convinced that she is destined to marry Godfrey Ablewhite, despite her own misgivings about him. On the other hand, Franklin Blake believes in the power of his own choices and takes responsibility for his actions. He is determined to solve the mystery of the stolen diamond and clear his name, despite the obstacles in his way.
The characters’ beliefs about fate and free will have a significant impact on the events of the novel. For example, Rachel’s belief in fate leads her to make decisions that ultimately result in tragedy. Meanwhile, Franklin’s belief in free will allows him to take control of his own life and make decisions that lead to a positive outcome.
Detective Fiction and Narrative Structure
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins is considered one of the earliest detective novels in English literature. The narrative structure of the novel is unique, as it is told through multiple narrators, each providing their own perspective on the events that transpire throughout the story.
The use of multiple narrators allows for a more complex and layered plot, as the reader is able to see the story unfold from different viewpoints. This also creates a sense of mystery and suspense, as each narrator reveals only a portion of the truth, leaving the reader to piece together the clues and solve the mystery alongside the characters.
Collins also employs the use of foreshadowing and red herrings, which are common tropes in detective fiction. These literary devices serve to mislead the reader and keep them guessing until the final reveal.
Religion and Spirituality
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins explores the themes of religion and spirituality in Victorian England. The novel reflects the changing attitudes towards religion and the growing interest in spiritualism during the 19th century.
The character of Miss Clack embodies the religious fervor of the time, as she constantly tries to convert others to her beliefs. Her religious fanaticism is contrasted with the more moderate beliefs of the other characters, who are more interested in practical matters.
The novel also touches on the supernatural, with the presence of the Hindu god, Brahma, and the idea of fate being central to the plot. The Moonstone itself is seen as a mystical object, with its curse and power over those who possess it.
Gender Roles and Relationships
In “The Moonstone,” gender roles and relationships are explored through the characters and their interactions. The novel takes place during the Victorian era, where gender roles were strictly defined. Women were expected to be submissive and obedient, while men were supposed to be dominant and in control.
Rachel Verinder, the protagonist of the novel, challenges the traditional gender roles of her time. She is an independent and strong-willed woman who refuses to conform to societal expectations. Rachel’s refusal to conform to traditional gender roles is evident in her decision to inherit the Moonstone, which was traditionally passed down to male heirs.
The novel also explores the relationships between men and women during the Victorian era. The male characters in the novel view women as objects to be won or possessed. Franklin Blake, for example, is obsessed with Rachel and sees her as a prize to be won. Godfrey Ablewhite, another male character, views women as objects to be used for his own pleasure.
Critique of Victorian Society
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins is a novel that critiques the Victorian society in which it is set. The novel highlights the social and moral issues of the time, such as the role of women in society and the treatment of servants.
One of the main criticisms of Victorian society in The Moonstone is the treatment of women. The novel portrays women as being confined to a limited role in society, with few opportunities for education or personal fulfillment. The character of Rachel Verinder is a prime example of this, as she is expected to marry and fulfill the expectations of her family and society.
Another issue that The Moonstone critiques is the treatment of servants. The novel highlights the class divide between the wealthy and their servants, and the unequal power dynamic that exists between them. The character of Rosanna Spearman, a servant in the Verinder household, is a tragic example of how servants were often treated as disposable and expendable.
The Use of Opium and its Effects
Opium and its derivatives, such as laudanum, were commonly used as painkillers and sedatives during the time period in which Wilkie Collins wrote The Moonstone. Collins himself was known to have used laudanum to alleviate his own gout and rheumatic pain. In The Moonstone, the use of opium is portrayed through several characters, most notably the character of Ezra Jennings.
Jennings, who suffers from a debilitating illness, becomes addicted to opium as a means of coping with his pain. The novel portrays his addiction in a sympathetic light, highlighting the physical and psychological effects of opium use. The character’s addiction is also used as a plot device, as it ultimately leads to his involvement in the solving of the mystery surrounding the titular Moonstone.
The effects of opium use are also explored through the character of Rosanna Spearman, who is revealed to have been addicted to laudanum before her death. The novel suggests that her addiction may have contributed to her tragic fate.
The Transformation of Characters
In “The Moonstone” by Wilkie Collins, the characters undergo significant transformations throughout the course of the novel. These transformations are often linked to the themes of the novel, such as the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
One character who undergoes a transformation is Rachel Verinder. At the beginning of the novel, she is portrayed as a naive and innocent young woman, but as the story progresses, she becomes more complex and ultimately reveals a darker side to her personality. Her transformation is linked to the corrupting influence of the diamond, which brings out the worst in those who possess it.
Another character who undergoes a transformation is Godfrey Ablewhite. Initially, he is presented as a charming and respectable gentleman, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that he is not what he seems. He is revealed to be a fraud and a criminal, and his true nature is exposed.
Finally, Sergeant Cuff undergoes a transformation throughout the novel. Initially, he is presented as a highly competent detective, but as the story progresses, his flaws and weaknesses are revealed. He becomes more human and relatable, and his transformation highlights the theme of the fallibility of authority figures.