Monday, July 20, 2009

"Our Nig"

Overall, I found that Mrs. Bellmont was the head of the house rather than the men. The only time her authority was questioned was by Mr. Bellmont, and only in extremely rare instances. Everyone knew that Mrs. Bellmont and Mary were treating Frado unfairly and cruelly, but they aren't able to succeed in keeping her safe. In the beginning it is almost as if they know it is wrong but turn the other way and only later, do they begin to question Mrs. Bellmont more outspokenly.  In the end, the other members of the Bellmont family do a better job of looking out for her well being. 
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2 comments:

  1. Noelle NJuly 22, 2009 at 7:51 AM

    Mrs. Bellmont did seem to take on a male role. We know she was especially dominant after Mr. Bellmont said, "Women rule the world," in a half serious, half joking matter. I personally did not like her character, but she was necessary to add truth to the story.

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  2. Erica LJuly 30, 2009 at 7:32 PM

    I was so annoyed by the character of Mrs. Bellmont. I agree with you in that she did seem to play the masculine role, which goes along with the "missing mother" trope of gothic. It was definately interesting that the other members of the family didn't stand up to Mrs. Bellmont more, even though they knew what she was doing was wrong. It's almost a comment on Northern society during the Reconstruction. They knew that they needed to treat African Americans equally, but they didn't.

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