What Do I know? ~Ashlyn Scism

     Esther is a fascinating character. Dickens writes the most intriguing characters and every detail he notes is intentional. I think the same is true for Esther. Her namesake is reminiscent of the Jewish queen from the Bible. In that story, Esther was a brilliant woman who although helpless to her circumstances she stayed strong and did what she believed was right. If Dickens is doing what I think he is, then this detail is not a mere coincidence. When the novel starts Esther claims to be unintelligent and I predict she will prove to be incorrect. I think she will end up being the wisest of the characters in the novel. She mentions a doll she had as a child. This doll is meant to represent her youth and a period in her life in which she was a helpless child. When people come to relocate her she buries the doll. The act of burying the doll could be a metaphor for how Esther is burying her youth and innocence. Esther, like her namesake, is told where she is to live and what she is to do. She does not have a real choice. She lived a comfortable life for six years and then once again she was relocated and assigned responsibilities. I predict: throughout the novel, Esther’s character arc will mirror that of the ancient queen.

I commented on: Hailey W. And Emily Otts’ posts.