Blog #2: Moonstone-First Thoughts about the Characters

Hannah Martinez

Kristen Hague

English Literature

30 September 2012

Blog #2: Moonstone

            I will be honest in saying that I have read many different genres of literature but never before now have I read a mystery novel. This genre is a new concept to me and I am not sure if there is some practiced way of reading or catching hints within the text as to who has committed the crime. However, as I get further in the reading of the Moonstone written by Wilkie Collins I am starting to pick up on what I am seeing as being insight into who stole the sacred Moonstone. It has been my notion thus far though, that much of these hints or insight are offered in the personalities and characteristics of the characters. Collins writes in a fascinating fashion that offers a clear view of each character within her story, allowing us as the audience to develop our own identifications and opinions of them.

            Gabriel Betteredge had my attention and love of his character from the very beginning. The fact that he acts as the narrator probably offers much of my favoritism towards him because we get to see different sides of his personality that we are not able to see from others. His humor, whit, insight, opinion, emotions and lack of filter are very amusing and I believe very much add to the story. However out of all the characters (and we are aware that there are several to keep track of), it is the character of Penelope that intrigues me the most. From a readers standpoint it seems as though most everyone from Sergeant Cuff, Miss Rachael, Gabriel Betteredge to Mr. Franklin, they all maintain a sort of identity and traits to who they are, whereas Penelope has mysteriousness about her. She radiates this likeness to everyone; seeming to appreciate or find the good in everyone that she crosses. She seems to be the “glass half-full” type of person, but one who shares a good sense of judgment even when she does share her opinions. As a reader, I feel as if she is going to end up playing an important role in this mystery of the Moonstone, but even if she does not end up being that necessarily important, she is the character in the story that everyone values.

            Looking at her very more specifically, the relationship that Penelope shares with Miss Rachael amazes me. I guess that I expect her to show more of a jealously or stronger opinion of her than any other characters. Although it is not described this way, they are step sisters, and not only that but they are treated very different. Miss Rachael is of a higher rank in society, whereas Penelope takes part in the company of the servants and is treated as such in her household. As I reader I almost want her to show some animosity towards her step sister since Miss Rachael’s character is very much stubborn, bossy, and spoiled, but she does just the opposite. Instead Penelope seems to embrace all areas of her life and the people surrounding her.

         This story in general definitely has my attention, but with the progression of the story I am interested to see where Collin takes all of the characters, especially Penelope! I love how the relationship between the characters and the reader emerge because I believe this really adds to the effectiveness and interests that the audience takes in the literature Collins has written. Also, I may have a new found love for the genre mystery novels after reading Moonstone. J