Genre
A novel
Setting and Context
The actions of the novel are set in a big Cornwall estate, and Cornwall’s natural landscape is used as background to the novel. A few scenes take place in Italy, in Florence.
Narrator and Point of View
The narration is of the first-person type, and the narrator is Philip Ashley.
Tone and Mood
Tone of the novel varies from mysterious and excited to tender and soft. The mood is the same, thrilling and tranquil in different situations. The novel’s end stays open, and most of the secrets are not revealed, which adds additional mystery to it.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist of the novel is Philip Ashley. Rachel Ashley, or most often referred to as Cousin Rachel, can be treated as both a protagonist and an antagonist at the same time.
Major Conflict
The main conflict of the novel is of women’s vulnerability, which is rather reflected in men’s insecurity.
Climax
The climax comes with Rachel’s death.
Foreshadowing
Unknown part of Rachel’s life foreshadows secrecy taking place. Though secrets are presented in the novel, they are never revealed.
Understatement
N/A
Allusions
The story contains allusions to famous Florentine gardens.
Imagery
Images of picturesque Cornwall nature are depicted in the novel.
Paradox
The paradoxical is Philip’s idea of himself being a double of Ambrose. From childhood he identified himself with his cousin, which had put a mark on him, and he had no other way but to fall in love with a woman his cousin loved.
Parallelism
Ambrose and Philip’s lives are put in parallels, though in different timing contexts.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
“The first letter from Ambrose arrived in the middle of November”
“The summer passed and winter came. Ambrose did not return.”
