Path 2 Essays
Relatively Strong Samples

Charlotte Yonge's The Clever Woman of the Family (Wk 7)

option one: is the epistolary form of chp 27 an effective way of describing what happens with the assize case? Also, why might Yonge have chosen to have all the letters written to Colin, instead of Alick or Rachel?

option two: Colin Keith claims that Ermine is "'the only woman I ever met totally free from nonsense'" (523). Is the reader ultimately compelled to agree? Is Ermine the most heroic character in the novel? (Your response should include an operational, terse definition of "hero.")

option three: all things considered, does Yonge's novel evince any essentializing notions concerning the respective limits of male and female minds and temperaments?


Sample Student Response

The epistolary form for Chapter 27 is the most effective way to describe what happens with the assize case. Through these letters, the reader gains Rose’s, Ermine’s, Lady Temple’s, Grace’s, and Edward’s explanation and retelling of the case and it’s coinciding events. They provide a more intimate and personal side to it. With the chapter being separated into different letters, it is easier to be able to understand the events. If the chapter was in usual form, it would be difficult to describe all the emotions and thoughts to such a degree. Also, by the reader having different descriptions, they can achieve the most honest view of what happened. The usual account by Rachel is sometimes confusing due to its bias.

Colonel Keith is the most appropriate character to use because without him, the assize case would have tumbled into disorder. Only his determination to clear Edward’s name managed to bring Edward home. He is the anchor of the case. Alick would not be a good choice because he is not as closely attached to the case. He has not played such an important role and has been more in the background. His most important role was proving to Rachel that the woodcuts were not real and beginning her realization of who Mauleverer really was. Rachel is too sensitive and overwrought to be able to receive information through different letters. Even her sister Grace agreed: “I hardly know how to send all this in the present state of things, but I believe you will wish to have it, and will judge how much Rachel will bear to hear” (498).The letters would have to be censored and some would not relate to Rachel at all. Her narration is already dominant throughout the novel, so it is necessary to give a refreshing break. Also, Rose’s information about her papa and the trial would not be as appropriate being sent to Rachel or Alick as being sent to the Colonel. Rose said in her letter, "I am afraid I was very naughty, but I could not help crying just a little when I found you had no come..." (489). This shows how she is more intimate with Colin. Ermine, being the love of his life, and Lady Temple, being his dearest friend, are of the same intimacy and the letters show it. Edward’s letter especially would have been out of place if they were to be addressed to either Rachel or Alick as he barely knew them at all. Yonge chose all the letters to be sent to Colin because not only was he the most logical recipient, the letters enable the reader to attain more depth into what happened and the other characters’ emotions and thoughts.

Dr. Paul Marchbanks
pmarchba@calpoly.edu