The title of Chapter V is "How the Girl Did It." What is "it" and how did she do it? What are Jean Muir's strategies, what does she hope to accomplish, and why?
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ReplyDeleteWhile the more pliable members of the family had already fallen under the seemingly inescapable power of Jean Muir's spell, the "Young Master" had yet to be blinded by her charms. In this chapter of Behind A Mask I believe the "it" is marked by Miss Muir's successful victory over Gerald.
ReplyDeleteThe process Jean used to win Gerald over began with the way she acted toward him initially, ignoring him and playing on his desire to be amused by allowing him to hear her as she sang. These actions sparked a desire in him which drowned out the distrust that had grown within him. She ultimately succeeded on the stage in the Hall as she lay holding his gaze, filling him with delight and breaking down the remaining barriers.
By Stealing Gerald’s hearts she can turn the brothers against one another, rid herself of the one she cannot conquer, Lucia, and establish herself as the sole unseen power within the household left to move in on the most prized game under the families name, Uncle John.
Excellent observations, especially the way she destroys the bonds among the characters.
ReplyDeleteNext time, please use "new post" rather than "comment" for the assignment so I can find your response more easily.