“I desired you not to speak of her, Miss Eliza.”
“Oh, I beg your pardon! I perceive Cupid’s arrows have been too sharp for you: the wounds, being more than skin-deep, are not yet healed, and bleed afresh at every mention of the loved one’s name.” (pg 69, chapter 13)
Gilbert’s sensitivity towards Helen is a big motivator for his actions. He feels an obligation to “defend her honor”, even before when they weren’t as close as they were when the quotation happened. He holds a petty grudge against Lawrence who he wholeheartedly believes is romantically involved with Helen, his precious beautiful mysterious woman. It seems like he feels entitled to her, especially when he goes as far as to physically assault Lawrence based on his belief that he is trying to take Helen away from him. I personally don’t think Gilbert is aware of the feelings that are motivating his actions which is why he was really offended by what Eliza said.
Are some of his actions towards and/or about Helen fueled by his need to protect her? I wonder if, as a man during that time, he feels as though he needs to protect Helen simple because she is an unmarried mother. I believe that he does have some genuine feelings towards her but I’ve always questioned his subconscious motives.
One response to “QCQ #2”
Your comment in class discussion today about his sense of entitlement and the ways he actively pursues her (hiding in bushes, following her to the cliff during the picnic, being a friend to little Arthur, etc.) would seem to make his motives very conscious/explicit. It’s worth thinking about his role as narrator, his sense of audience, and consequently how he presents his behavior and motives.