Couples In Contrast | By Emory Cooper

As I write this blog post, I find myself compelled to point out the contrast Dickens has created between the the main couples in chapters XII and XIII. In the former chapter, the atmosphere seems stagnant. Lady Dedlock and Sir Leicester have passed their "prime," both in spirit and in body. Certainly, they possess great reputations and esteem. But in their spare time, one languishes in "the desolation of Boredom," while the other can always "contemplate his own greatness"(see page 139, line 18, and lines 32-33, respectively)! It is as if they have no transcendent cause for which they might lead meaningful lives.

By contrast, the latter chapter contains an atmosphere of joy, of eagerness, and of bright hope for the future. "With the greatest enthusiasm," Richard discovered his profession (page 152, lines 6-7). And not long after, he and Ada confessed their love for each other. 

This happiness, however, came not out of selfishness, but from a selfless desire to serve others. With his career, Richard wanted to help heal his fellow man: "the art of healing was the art of all others for him" (lines 10-11). And his and Ada's love "inspired them with a steady resolution to do their duty to each other, with constancy, fortitude, and perseverance: each always for the other's sake" (page 160, line 44-page 161, line 1).

Where Sir Leicester and Lady Dedlock are full of themselves, Richard and Ada seek to serve each other. As to which couple is happier, can there be any question?

[I commented on the posts by Raygan and Elijah.]

Comments

  1. Hailey WalshNovember 2, 2021 at 10:06 AM


    Great observation, Emory. It's interesting how Dickens puts Richard's and Ada's budding relationship into a better light by placing them next to the foil of Sir Leicester and Lady Dedlock's dead relationship.

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  2. Ashlyn ScismNovember 2, 2021 at 10:50 AM

    You make an interesting parallel. Dickens seems to highlight the difference between selfless characters and selfish characters. In his other novel, A Tale of Two Cities, Lucy is the perfect example of this. She is completely selfless and loves others wholeheartedly. However, there are characters in Tale of Two cities who contrast with Lucy’s genuine kindness.

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  3. Brooke BradleyNovember 2, 2021 at 4:01 PM

    This contrast is very intriguing. I wonder if Charles Dickens thought that the happiness and healthiness of these relationships had anything to do with money or social status.

    ReplyDelete

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