Coldness and Pessimism in Lucy Snowe's Character

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The name Lucy Snowe might suggest a certain coldness in her character. Her challenges have been examined from various angles by literary scholars. Before the rise of depth psychology, Villette found popular success but was criticized for its persistent gloominess. Two notable critics of Bronte's era were Harriet Martineau, once a friend of Charlotte Bronte, who found the novel "too painful" to read, and respected critic Matthew Arnold, who called it "hideous," "disagreeable," and "convulsed." With modern psychological insights, many literary scholars now regard the book as Bronte's masterpiece.

No matter how one evaluates it, the novel undeniably offers a deeply detailed portrayal of a pessimistic, unhappy character. One significant flaw in the story is the lack of a thorough explanation for Lucy's negative outlook on life, particularly regarding personal relationships. Lucy states, "I disclaim, with the utmost scorn, every sneaking suspicion of what are called 'warmer feelings'; women do not entertain these 'warmer feelings' where, from the commencement, through the whole progress of an acquaintance, they have never been cheated of the conviction that to do so would be to commit a mortal absurdity."

The narrative is replete with such negative remarks about human relationships, along with many others lamenting fate. Some argue that Lucy Snowe represents an Existentialist perspective. If, as Heraclitus asserted, "man's character is his fate," a perceptive reader might conclude that Lucy's challenges, especially her interactions with John Graham Bretton and Emanuel Paul, primarily arise from her belief that the worst will always happen. Since she views herself as lacking beauty, and considering that men like Dr. John are often swayed by appearances—Graham, for example, is attracted to the superficial Ginevra Fanshawe—Lucy quickly assumes she cannot attract a man romantically.

Conflict Between Reason and Emotion

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Another interpretation proposes that Lucy faces an internal struggle between Reason and Emotion. In Chapter 21, when Lucy wants to forgive Paul for a hurtful remark, she instead delivers "a neat frosty falsehood," which postpones their reconciliation. She drafts a heartfelt letter to John Graham Bretton but decides to tear it up and replace it with a short, terse note. While considering whether to share her emotions with Dr. John, her "reasoning" exposes her inner turmoil. She believes that expecting ongoing kindness from him is "insane . . . credulity." It seems Lucy is so afraid of affection or its possible rejection that she cannot let it escape her troubled heart. At a certain moment, she seeks guidance from Reason, asking, "But if I feel, may I never express?" Reason's answer is a firm, "Never!"

Lucy's Lack of Background and Redeeming Qualities

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Since the reader is never given detailed insights into Lucy's family background and upbringing, it can be difficult to develop a strong sense of empathy for her. Some might even regard her as simply a character study. Nevertheless, she does have admirable traits. Lucy maintains a relatively strong faith in God, though she occasionally relies on it too much, which can lead to a stoic acceptance that may be self-defeating. She is neither foolish nor idle—she is proficient in teaching and learns rapidly.

Lucy also shows significant courage early in the story when she decides to leave England, where there are no immediate prospects for fulfilling work, and travels to France in search of an appropriate job. She embarks on this journey to a foreign land with little knowledge of the language, minimal financial resources, and no acquaintances. Her success in securing a position at Mme. Beck's school is partly due to good fortune (a rare event in this narrative) but is also a testament to her hard work, honesty, and intelligence. This last attribute might be slightly exaggerated, given how swiftly...

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she picks up French.

Language and Cultural Barriers

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Here's a word of caution: If you're planning to read Villette seriously, it's important to have a good grasp of French or have someone nearby who does. A significant portion of the dialogue is in French, and unlike many other English novels, these parts are not minor comments that can be overlooked. For example, when M. Paul says to Lucy, "Je vois bien que vous vous moquez de moi," it is vital for the reader to know that he is accusing Miss Snowe of mocking him.

Ambiguity and Melancholy in the Conclusion

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Overall, Villette provides an intriguing psychological analysis. Lucy's dislike of the Catholic Church reflects her inherent skepticism toward many aspects of life. The seemingly happy ending, where Lucy and Emanuel become engaged but are separated for three years due to family obligations imposed by the envious Madame Beck, appears almost too ideal. Furthermore, Paul arranges for Lucy to have her own school. Initially, Charlotte Bronte planned for the novel to maintain a somber tone by having Paul perish at sea on his return. However, Patrick Bronte convinced his daughter not to conclude the story on such a grim note.

As a result, Charlotte ends the story with Lucy reflecting on her happiness over the past three years and her anticipation of Emanuel’s return. Then, Lucy hears of a violent storm that struck both France and the Atlantic, a tempest that didn’t subside until "the Atlantic was strewn with wrecks." After this week-long storm, it seems improbable that Paul has survived. Bronte leaves the outcome ambiguous, though many readers assume that Emanuel has perished. Lucy simply says, "Trouble no quiet, kind heart; leave sunny imaginations hope. Let it be theirs to conceive the delights of joy born afresh out of great terror, the rapture of rescue from peril. Let them picture union and a happy succeeding life." However, Lucy does not claim to possess a "sunny imagination" (the use of this term also questions Paul's survival).

Thus, this somber novel concludes with an uncertain ending and the philosophical whisper of "Farewell."

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