SoF - Mary

Question 1

What are the key points you can mention in your intro?

Answer 1

• Doyle relies on adulatory narrator -> Presenting Mary as angelic and flawless
• Effect is extended by lack of greed
• Near deification is crucial for sub-plot
• Mary is an embodiment of Victorian ideals

Question 2

What is paragraph 1 about?

Answer 2

Mary presented as angelic and flawless + embodiment of Victorian ideals

Question 3

What are some quotes you can use in paragraph 1?

Answer 3

• “white diaphanous material”
• “playing [over her face]” + “hand drooped” + “[light] fell”
• “[eyes] singularly spiritual and sympathetic”
• “small, dainty, well gloved and dressed in the most perfect taste”

Question 4

What AO3 can you use in paragraph 1?

Answer 4

In 19th Century England, women were expected to be obedient, delicate and timid, which is amplified by Mary’s composure until it appears almost heavenly.

Question 5

What is paragraph 2 about?

Answer 5

Mary’s lack of greed + Contrast to Watson. Her lack of greed is an almost unusual trait which allows her to become superhuman

Question 6

What are some quotes you can use in paragraph 2?

Answer 6

• “quick, questioning smile”
• “glanced”
• “Great shadow seemed to pass from my soul
• “’Thank God!”’ I ejaculated”

Question 7

What is paragraph 3 about?

Answer 7

Mary contradicting traditional Victorian ideals. W+M’s imperfections allow them to match each other and provide an effective sub-plot

Question 8

What are some quotes you can use in paragraph 3?

Answer 8

• “her lip trembled, her hand quivered, and she showed every sign of intense inward agitation”
• “Held up her gloved hand”
• “I never dreamed that it might be you”

Question 9

What is a key point you can mention in your conclusion?

Answer 9

Doyle presents Mary Morstan as almost angelic through Watson’s hyperbolic descriptions of her conforming to Victorian ideals about women, as well as her lack of greed which is almost seen to be an unusual trait.