How She Did It

Jean Muir is a smart woman. She has established herself in the eyes of each family member in the house. She has a different “mask” on for different people. She can be a friend, an obedient servant, and even display vulnerability and weakness in order to appeal to the men of the house. Now that she understands the Coventry household members better, the governess can now manipulate those around her in order to gain a higher social standing. She has finally done it, she has gained power. Although I do not agree with the way she manipulates everyone, I do respect her for taking action. She is infuriated by the injustice of her lower social status and is willing to take matters into her own hands. She does this by captivating Gerald’s attention at the tableaux. However, we begin to see that Jean Muir is ultimately after Sir John, who can provide her with financial security, social distinction and quite possibly, a title she craves.