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The Woman in White
- Authors
- Name
- Wilkie Collins
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The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
Summary
"The Woman in White" begins with Walter Hartright's eerie encounter with a mysterious woman dressed entirely in white on a moonlit road in London. Hartright, a young art teacher, is soon employed at Limmeridge House, where he meets Marian Halcombe and Laura Fairlie, the latter bearing a striking resemblance to the woman in white.
As the story unfolds, Hartright discovers that the woman in white is Anne Catherick, who holds secrets about Sir Percival Glyde, Laura's fiancé. The plot thickens with themes of identity theft, illegitimacy, insanity, and the constraints placed on Victorian women. Glyde's sinister motives are gradually revealed, involving a desperate attempt to conceal his past wrongdoings and secure his financial future through marriage.
Marian Halcombe and Walter Hartright work together to unravel the mystery surrounding Anne Catherick and to protect Laura from Glyde's machinations. Their investigation leads them into a series of suspenseful and dramatic events, including wrongful imprisonment, a daring escape, and ultimately, justice for the wronged.
Themes
- Identity and Deception: The novel explores the fluidity of identity and the ease with which it can be manipulated for nefarious purposes.
- The Role of Women: Collins critiques the limited roles and legal rights of women in Victorian England, showcasing the strength and resourcefulness of his female characters.
- Justice and Morality: The story examines the concept of justice, both legal and moral, and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve it.
Reception
Upon its release, "The Woman in White" was met with widespread acclaim for its gripping plot and complex characters. It remains a beloved work in the mystery genre, praised for its innovative structure and its commentary on Victorian society.