Friday, February 1, 2008
Who is this Woman?
In a seminal study of Victorian serial publications, Linda K. Hughes and Michael Lund note that in the serial, readers could watch and sort of participate in character development. We are beginning to meet many of the characters in Wives and Daughters. What do you think about Hyacinth Kirkpatrick? What do you think might happen with her character as the novel develops?
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Hyacinth (Clare) Kirkpatrick is the governess for the most elite family in the town of Hollingford, the Cumnors. She is a bit of a social climber, a tad mean, lacking quick wit, and what we would call in modern times-- a suck-up! I would say those are personality traits that get noticed by observant individuals. But it is her unexplainable youthful beauty that gets the attention of Mr. Gibson, which may assist in a change in her life in the coming pages of the novel. It seems Mr. Gibson is thinking of marriage once again (after conversating with Lord Hollingford). While strongly considering who would be the right choice as his wife, and mother to his teenage daughter, Molly, he realizes that Hyacinth Kirkpatrick has some very 'agreeable' qualities to offer. Mr. Gibson considers her position as a governess--ensuring she is capable of managing his home, her same age daughter as Molly, and most importantly, her kindness to a detained Molly several years back at the Cumnor Towers.
Well, it seems Hyacinth Kirkpatrick may become Mrs. Gibson in the very near future.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick seems like an egotistical, spineless, and vain woman with little redeeming value. By Gaskell’s own charge, she has “few points to be respected,” and has a “superficial and flimsy character” (P 141). But is she really? What has she done so far that is heinous? Enjoyed the good life of the Towers, of which she only has limited access to? Is that so bad? Wouldn’t any one of us be delighted to spend a weekend at a spa, being waited on and pampered? Don’t we, as a people, scrimp and save money so that, once a year, we can take a trip and treat ourselves to the finer things in life, to see how the other half lives?
Another point that may make Mrs. Kirkpatrick seem shallow and self-absorbed is her desire not to work. Who wants to work? Do you? Hell, I don’t; every time I go into work and punch the time clock it feels like a little piece of my soul has been stolen by punching in my designated number, every 8 hours I spend at that god forsaken job is 8 hours wasted, 8 hours I could have been writing, or reading, or castrating cattle – hell, anything’s better than working for an evil, heartless conglomerate… but I digress. My point is - what’s so bad about not wanting to work? It seems only natural that one would desire not to toil if they don’t have to, especially a woman in this time period where financial stability (i.e. survival) meant either working one’s fingers to the bone, or marrying a man of some means.
And spineless… okay, she maybe a little spineless, but can she be blamed? True, she’s a spineless jellyfish in the presence of Lady Cumnor, but who isn’t in this story? Even her husband is afraid of her, and he’s lord of the estate. Mrs. Kirkpatrick is aware of her social status (as was everyone else at that time, those on top striving to make the separation blatantly obvious) and of the privileges it affords her… which are none. She’s a friend of the Cumnors, sure, and she is afforded some privileges on that account, but her social standing makes it excruciatingly easy for her to be kicked out of the house, to lose her only connection with luxury and the finer things, on nothing but the slightest whim. And Lady Cumnor seems quick to whim (I know that’s not a proper verb, just roll with it, okay?). So, can she be blamed for not wanting to forgo her only access to the good life?
Onto vain. I’ll give you that one, she’s vain. The reserve she feels about brining her daughter home because she’ll look better than her at her wedding seems shallow and egotistical, but is it really? Why do you think bride’s maids wear ugly dresses? It’s not to keep the priest from hitting on them during the ceremony, it’s because the wedding is supposed to be all about the bride (as someone who is about to be in a wedding as the mere groom, I have been enlightened to this fact on several occasions), and from what I’ve observed, this is a commonly held opinion among women. What woman would want (wow, that’s a lot of alliteration) a beautiful and exciting visitor to show up at her wedding, taking all the attention away from her? Even if it is her own daughter. This may seem like a shallow or misogynistic remark on the surface, but think about it, the wedding is all about the bride and as most women don’t get the chance to play bride everyday, they want to take full advantage of the situation when it arrives. Perhaps I’m wrong and women don’t feel that way, some could probably care less, but I have to think the majority of women feel that way towards their marriage, and if they don’t, I feel lied to and betrayed by the Cosmo magazine covers I read while waiting in line at the store.
Gaskell obviously has her own opinion about Mrs. Kirkpatrick, and I take the author’s attack on her character as a foreshadowing of events to come. She may turn mean and nasty, which is what I’m predicting, once she gets her foot in the proverbial door, but from what we know of her now, I think she is harshly judged by her author.
Hyacinth Kirkpatrick seems to be someone who is only looking out for herself. She thinks she is above her current station and believes that she should be laying around the house looking pretty while her husband goes out and does all the work. She does not take into consideration the duties of motherhood or wifehood(is that a word?)
She also appears to me as fake and unconvincing. The day that she acted kindly towards Molly at the Cumnors was just an act to get Molly out of the way sooner. She didn't really want to bother with her, but somebody had to do it.
I don't think she makes a good mother, either. She does her best to keep Cynthia at school rather than looking forward to a visit. Also, Hyacinth has a little school, but she doesn't teach because she likes to mentor adolescent girls. She just works for the necessity of it.
I hope that Hyacinth will change her attitudes toward responsibility as well as grow out of her selfish ways, but I see little chance of that happening. Because of her age, I expect very little from her as far as developing her character. Rather, I think that she will be exposed as the heartless, selfish, desperate creature that she truly is.
In response to Chuck,
I like your evaluation of Hyacinth's character. You bring home all of those personality traits that people generally pretend they don't have. We are so quick to judge, but when someone points out that we are no different, all of a sudden there's a big argument. I can't remember where I read this but "Remember that when you point your finger at someone, four more are pointing back at you."
I think that Hyacinth Kirkpatrick is somewhat of a sketchy character. She is a widow in her mid-forties. Her grown daughter, Cynthia, has been talked about but has not actually appeared in the story yet. Mrs. Kirkpatrick is of the working class, but likes to live the easy life with the extremely wealthy Cumnor family. Basically, she has champagne taste on a beer budget. There is a rumor spreading that Mrs. Kirkpatrick and Mr. Gibson, Molly's father, once had a possibility of marrying. At this point, Clare is staying with the Cumnors on her vacation and remembering how nice it is to live that type of lifestyle. She thinks to herself that women were made to be married and that it might be time for her to find a nice, new husband. I'm not sure how her character will develop throughout the rest of the novel; however, I believe that she will end up marrying Mr. Gibson. I wonder if this will cause problems between her and Molly or if Molly will be able to accept and embrace her new situation. I hope that Clare is able to settle down a little and not expect a life of luxury like that of the Cumnors; or perhaps she won't be happy with a middle-class lifestyle that Mr. Gibson provides.
In response to Erin....
Yes, Hyacinth does have expensive taste and wants a lot out of life. But I would have to say, what woman doesn't want to be with a man that doesn't bring stability, security, and if possible, some luxury to her life. Perhaps she won't be happy with the lifestyle Mr. Gibson can provide, we will just have to read and see how it plays out. But, if Hyacinth is a smart woman, she will realize Mr. Gibson is a good man and that she will need to bring more to the table than her looks! Hyacinth will have the chance to prove/redeem herself as a mother, wife, and perhaps even as a human being.
In response to Chuck...
Oh, Chuck. I just don't know where to begin. Very, very, very interesting in so many ways. I am almost at a lost for words. This blog comment requires more thought on my part.
I think Hyacinth Kirkpatrick is the way I envision most women then to be like. Back then marriage was a matter of economics and if you were lucky enough to love each other than, hey!, added bonus. She does aspire to be in a better place than she is but if I had tasted the good life then was stuck some place else just because I was a woman and I could only do certain things I can't be righteous and say I would never do what she does. It's not horrible, she's not horrible. She's just a typical woman from that time. Through the story I do think that maybe at some point she should show some compassion though, I wouldn't bet money on it.
Hyacinth Kirkpatrick was born Cynthia, a name in which her daughter shares, but is later christened Hyacinth Clare. She seems despicably shallow, half-hearted, and quite avaricious; the narrator even describes her as “superficial and flimsy” (Gaskell qtd. in King 141). However, I do believe that her current situation, namely a trivial school owner whose foot remains stuck at the door of a governess, warrants many of these atrocious traits. In the beginning of the novel, I found Clare’s sympathy unconvincing and inconsiderate as she promises Molly to awaken her but doesn’t. Then she blames the little girl for oversleeping (Hmm…). I am not sure if Hyacinth’s intentions are pure or if they’re done intentionally to stroke her inner satisfaction. Whatever the case maybe, she’s definitely the character I am interesting in following.
I am quite sure that she and Mr. Gibson will marry to Molly’s own dissatisfaction (and I don’t believe the two[Molly & Clare] will get along at first). I predict that Hyacinth’s tenacity in trying to please Mr. Gibson will turn into resentment of marriage on her part and severely annoy Gibson. During a conversation that she and Molly have, her attempts at changing Mr. Gibson already begin. “Oh! but, my dear, we must change all that [him liking cheese]” (129). However, Mr. Gibson doesn’t seem the type to succumb to her requests. Isn't funny how the two don't consider getting to know each first before marrying?
Anyhow, we shall see what develops.
If we haven’t figured out what’s going to happen with Mrs. K and what she’s all about, I don’t think we’re grasping what Gaskell is trying to say. It’s all in the chapter heading for me; I constantly find myself referring back to them while I read so that I may comprehend the basis of their naming. Kirkpatrick’s fate in the novel begins to be evident with such title as Foreshadows of Love Perils and Drifting into Danger. When I first was introduced to her, I initially thought her to be the more down –to-earth of all the ladies at Cumnor. Boy, does that begin to turn against her favor page after page. Beginning as early as her forgetting young Molly upstairs, she establishes her self-centeredness. And the way that Gaskell describes her, Mrs. K seems more vain and vulgar by the minute. I think Clare is comfortable in her place in life, and she will work the details to her benefit. Even though we haven’t been told entirely too much about Mr. K, I think her experiences with that marriage, down in the trenches, has given her much of her newly found offensive traits.
This may sound odd, but Mrs. Kirkpatrick seems to have a little too much goodness in her and she really doesn't fit the rest of the characters she is surrounded by at the Towers. In some ways, she reminds me of Mrs. Hamley as far as her demeanor and general politeness is concerned. She, in no way, resembles the Cumnor family, but her attachment to them is strong for other reasons. I think she is an excellent choice for Mr. Gibson. However, there has to be some kind of change, either subtly or abruptly, in her character as the story progresses. Perhaps, the change will occur if and when her daughter comes to live with them, especially since all the trouble she's had as a governess has come from girls.
Hyacinth is a woman who knows how to play the game in order to improve her own social status. AS far as the rest of the book and her character is concerned, I hope that there are not any similarities to Moll Fanders. The only difference I see is that Hyacinth will do things respectively where as Moll Flanders did things no matter the cost, to survive.
Claudia,
I agree with you. Hyacinth is only looking out for her own wellfare. Her and Molly seem to have the same thinking, believeing that hey are both beyond the station in life that they currently are in and will do whatever they each think is correct, to gain the respectability needed. I also agree with you in that she only used Molly for her own gain, marriage to Molly's father, and put up with Molly for that cause. I'm not sure where her character is going but can only imagine that she will continue to upgrade her class and station as time goes on.
In response to cicelyj,
Yes, it sounds very odd. Do you really think she seems good? Okay, let’s try this. If I had to compare her with anything, I would compare C. Kirkpatrick with a “Cry Baby” bubble gum ball; extremely sour on the outside, but then turns bitter, sweet on the inside. I think you’re right—she doesn’t fit in with the rest. I think this is in part of her former position as a governess. The Cumnors took a liking to her and exposed her to the ‘good life’. Now she can’t help but crave it—she’s money thirsty (but not at the expense of working for it by using her hands). This change you speak on will be quite interesting to see—if it happens.
In response to lady t,
I definitely agree with you when you say that Mrs. Kirkpatrick has done many things simply for her own inner satisfaction. I think that she is so focused on how she looks and appears to others (mainly the Cumnor family) that she doesn't think about other people's needs; such as when Molly oversleeps that time many years ago.
And now that we know that she and Mr. Gibson will marry, it will be very interesting to see how that relationship turns out; Clare, who is so concerned with appearances, and Mr. Gibson, who needs a housewife. I also do not believe that Mr. Gibson is the type of person to succumb to her petty requests, but I'm not so sure if Clare is one to be flexible either. It's weird that they are marrying without even knowing each other and their habits, personalities, likes/dislikes, etc. I guess we will see how it goes.
I think little Ms. Molly Gibson can see right through Hyacinth Kirkpatrick. Though she is naive for her age, I think she has a keen sense about what Mrs. Kirkpatrick is all about "herself and only herself". When Molly and Mrs. Kirpatrick talk about Mr. Gibson's likes and dislikes this is where Molly takes notice of Hyacinth's true intentions. 'Oh! but we will cure him of that. I couldn't bear the smell of cheese; and I'm sure he would be sorry to annoy me p.129.' If she won't compromise for cheese the woman is not going to compromise for anything. At the beginning she had me fooled, she seemed so angelic with her beauty and her works with the all girl school. But the fact that she feels the way she does about her own daughter say's alot about this devious character. She is only going to get worse.
In response to Cicely,
I just can't see this happening!
There is no way this women can be good for Mr. Gibson. She is a selfish sly little fox. It is apparent she has always had a plan, but now she can put this plan to use. Though we have to wait to see what happens in the novel, it is a character like this that usually comes around and tears good relationships apart.In this case let's hope she doesn't come between Mr. Gibson and Molly. But the way things are setting up Molly could be seeking Rodger more and more just for his company. I'm sure Mrs. Kirkpatrick would be just fine with that. As for an abrupt change in her character I doubt it. She is fourty, and has set her ways, she will not change for nobody.
Lacey,
I’m feeling what you say about Mrs. K; despite the unfairness of women’s rights in her time, she strived to be part of the upper class culture essentially for survival. Call it self-centeredness? It is to an extent, but what else would you have done? I like how you pointed out the ‘taste’ of the good life. Once someone has experienced the slightest taste of the lavish, it’s hard to regress and go back to something not quite as appealing or endearing.
Ms. Kirkpatrick seems to be playing a game. Her object is to achieve the life of luxury she so desires all while exerting the least amount of energy. It is as if she feels why earn the wealth for yourself if you can enjoy the wealth of others. The only thing she is unwilling to compromise is the way she is perceived by the upper class for she knows that being in good standing with them is the key to her happiness.
lady t i agree with you, I am anxious to see what comes of Ms. Kirkpatricks relationship with Mr. Gibson. I have a hard time predicting where Ms. Kirkpatricks character will go in this story but I am curious to see what impact her presence will have on Molly. It is obvious that Mr. Gibson sees her as an answer to his problems (providing Molly with a mother and providing a family home that he misses). However it is yet to be seen how Molly will handle this situation and whether or not it will drive a wedge between the relationship she shares with her father.
Hyacinth Kirkpatrick is a woman concerned only with her own comfort. She cares naught for her husband to be, except as her ticket to the easy, non-working life. This sentiment is evidenced in her visit with Molly. Though asking about Mr. Gibson's likes and dislikes sounds like a sweet question for the bride-to-be, Hyacinth's lack of interest and actual disdain in Molly's answer shows her true colors. She is not eager to to establish a relationship with her daughter to be, and actually is most content to keep her own daughter as far away from herself as possible. Hyacinth is jealous of her daughter's youthful bloom, another indication of the ease/appearance of her own life over the relationships and people close to her. She definitely sucks up to both the Cumnors and Mr. Gibson, playing sweeter than her nature truly is at heart.
I agree with Lucian's forecast: Hyacinth is only going to get worse. Her nature is devious, stuck up, and only out for herself. She is about to gain a husband and new daughter, but I do not believe they will gain a wife and mother. She has no intention of caring for Mr. Gibson's house or daughter. They are about to be sorely dissapointed, even if she is not.
Hyacinth Kirkpatrick seems to most people as an accomplished woman who has ran a school for many years. The narrator gives a more honest look into her life, telling us that she was jealous of the Cumnor's lifestyle. She wanted a life of luxury. Although she was a tutor, she desperately wanted to give up all of her responsibilities and become a housewife. She was looking for a breadwinner and confesses in her thoughts that it was a relief that she did not have to struggle anymore for livlihood now that she would marry Mr. Gibson. For the lack of a better word, she idolizes being a mooch; waited on hand and foot by servants as tea is brought to her at her ever call. We are later told that Mrs. Kirkpatrick avoided what she disliked. It seems that she had worked her entire life, hoping for the day when she could sit back and no longer do anything except order her husband after his day of medical rounds.
In response to Lucian
Let my clarify my statement about her being "good". Mrs. Kirkpatrick appears to be to exact and dainty. We know that's not who she is and her motives are all wrong, but for all practical purposes, she plays the role well. I still think she might be a good match for Dr. Gibson because she detail-orieinted which is something he lacks in his personal affairs. He doesn't really manage anything in his life accept his practice as a doctor. Everything else that pertains to him is managed by someone else although some of it is poorly managed. Mrs. Kirkpatrick is good at managing and overseeing things. As far as her character is concerned as it pertains to marriage, she is a wolf in sheep's clothing and I just have a gut feeling that after this marriage, something really strange about her is going to be revealed either about her past or maybe about her daughter. Whatever, it is, it is not going to be pretty and that beautiful image she has on the outside is going to be tarnished.
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