The Woman in White

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins is a mystery novel that begins with a woman dressed all in white that has escaped a private asylum. Very quickly the reader begins to question why the woman was really committed. Is she really insane or is there another motive? How is she connected with Sir Percival Glyde?

This is a interesting mystery, what does Sir Percival Glyde and his accomplice really want and how far will they go to get it?

This novel brings up some very interesting questions and themes. It brings up the question of women in a society where they are seen as less than the men and their husbands. They often had no power in their marriages or property as it is “managed” by the male they are tied to. The uneven power structure that lessens women is one of the major themes of this novel. “they take us body and soul to themselves, and fasten our helpless lives to theirs as they chain up a dog to his kennel. And what does the best of them give us in return?”

It also touches on the unequal standards in social class. The upper classes is seen as better and is automatically trusted and taken at their word simply because they are part of the upper-class. For example, Sir Percival is automatically believed because of his social status, “I have no doubt myself that every explanation which can be expected from a gentleman and a man of honor, he will readily give. Sir Percival stands very high...” The lower classes are seen as unreliable and suspicious.

Morality is also touched on. What is considered a crime? What is considered immoral? There is a debate in the book between the characters that touches on this subject. One person's good and morality is not considered so for other cultures. Unfortunately, this also brings up issues of some condoning or even giving a pass on crimes one society would condemn.

The theme of identity and appearance is another focus in this novel. Is someone really who they present themselves to be? This can be used to manipulate others. This can also be used to protect oneself from being used or harmed. This theme seems to be a central theme of the story and ties the other themes of class, marriage, gender, morality, and crime together. Who really are these characters and what do they really want?

This novel will make you think of morality, identity, and our place in society. Where do we stand in that society? How do we navigate that society? Does that society work for us or against us? These are questions that need to be asked. By asking them we confront the society we live in, not just to survive it but to change it. Sometimes a society needs to change to improve it for the people who live in it. This is a book that will make you think as you wonder what happens next.