How The Girl Did It
In
this chapter, Behind a Mask takes a
turn away from what had been happening before. What I believe this it to be, is that Jean Muir is finally
able to fully deceive Gerald and convince him of her goodness of heart; she
manages to have him eating from the palm of her hand every lie her mouth
leaves.
As to
the method of her success, I think she owes it to the event that took place in
the house. For starters, Gerald was able to see her acting a role that fit with
his idea that she was Noble from birth; furthermore, she enthralls him with a
‘soft side’ of her as they are on the stage. Later, as she is still dressed as
a strong, privileged woman, she lets Gerald see her as a victim, as someone who
has suffered, who needs to be rescued and helped.
Her
vulnerability—fake as may be—combined with the fact that Gerald believes her to
be the daughter of Lady Howard make Jean’s attempt at seducing and deceiving
Gerald successful.
Great points. The detail you provide about exactly how she seduces Gerald the Iceberg is especially persuasive.
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