In chapter five of Behind a Mask, we see that Jean Muir has become
the person of every family member's dreams. Working as the governess has
allowed her to manipulate the family through her acting skills. She has
made a connection with the innocent Bella, the nosy Mrs. Coventry, and with
each of the men of the family through her femininity. With each person
that falls to her performances, Jean’s power grows. She becomes the center of their world, the
one they can’t live without.
In this chapter, in particular, we see Jean finally catch Gerald's
attention. The uninterested, lazy, and entitled Gerald falls into Jean's
trap just like the rest of the family. It is through the dramatic act
that Gerald loses his grasp on his feelings. With Jean in fine clothing
fit for a powerful and noble woman, Gerald's heart is Jean's, and with Gerald
believing Jean, her plan is all the more believable. If Gerald’s judgment has fallen to her influence,
what is to stop John from being deceived by her scheme as well?
-Paige Driver
Good point that, once Gerald "falls," she seems like she can succeed at anything. Why does her costume affect him to powerfully?
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