Basic Questions

Describe the way Carter presents the ruby choker on page 6. Write a paragraph to practice word level analysis, ensuring you can examine a word or phrase in graphic detail.

Carter has presented the ruby choker as a symbol of wealth referring to it as 'precious' and detailing the 'two inch wide' 'rubies' that it is made of. The fact that it was given to her as a 'wedding gift' shows the status of the Marquis who's family can afford such a piece of jewelry. On the other hand Carter reaches into the gothic through the grotesque imagery of a 'slit throat' which is 'as red as arterial blood' and foreshadows the Marquis' wish to behead her. The reference to the 'Terror' shows that this choker was originally made as a mockery to the lower classes after they revolted against the wealthy. But a feminist may pick up on the way it is 'clasped' around her throat as a sign of control, for example as a collar instead of piece of jewelry suggesting she is more of a pet to the Marquis than a fellow human being.

On page 7, the narrator describes herself as an ‘exile’ once married. What does this suggest?

In once sense the narrator is in 'exile' as she is being taken away from her old life and her 'girlhood' towards the Marquis castle. She feels isolated and feels she will 'always be lonely' now this she is married. This is emphasized by her husband who does not interact with her on the train other than to say 'soon' to her. From a Marxist perspective she is also 'exiled' between social class as while being from a middle to lower background she has elevated herself to something higher by marrying a Marquis yet due to strict social hierarchy she will never be completely of that upper class.

On page 18, what seems to give the girl confidence and power once more? 

Her the narrator is presented with the keys which Carter has used to symbolize power. The Marquis gives her the keys in confidence and this in turn makes her confident with the trust. The power comes when he asks her not to go into his 'personal enfer' but still gives her the key. This forbidden knowledge and the means to access it gives the narrator her power.

On page 38, how is the usual ‘hero’ structure altered?

On page 38 the 'hero' structure is altered by the narrator taking a more active role. Instead of being passive, such as Jean-Yves who is unable to help her, she attempts to hide her new knowledge. Jean-Yves demands to stay with her but she sends him away knowing she must speak 'alone' to the Marquis. When the Marquis comes in she takes her salvation into her own hands and starts 'mimicking the new bride' by embracing him and playing innocent. 

What is the Marquis' view of women

The Marquis takes a more traditional view on women expecting them to be compliant and loyal to him. He wins the narrator over with gifts of 'crystallized fruit' and the 'choker of rubies' this is a very stereotypical view that women are obsessed with jewels and aesthetics. He also view them as possessions for his pleasure, he is completely control of the relationship with the narrator and in the bloody chamber he reifies his dead wives.