Theme of evil
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Theme of evil
Introduction
Themes refer to ideas that run throughout a literary publication. When a reader analyzes them, one understands the message that the writer intends to pass. Writers portray themes through characters and organized plots. Across the three novels, the theme of evil prevails. In any detective novel, the theme of evil is essential as it creates jobs for detectives while giving continuity to a plot. Behind the theme of darkness, many other ideas may arise. To understand evil and its importance in a detective text, analyzing the issue of evil in Wuthering Heights, The Sign of Four, and ‘The Beach of Falesá,’ is essential.
The evil theme in Wuthering Heights
The theme of evil comes up through love, word, and revenge in the novel, developing mainly through the character of Heathcliff. The first page of the book begins by criticism of Heathcliff’s black eyes. Black is associated with evil in the novel, and Heathcliff wishes to acquire a lighter skin to become a better man. Besides, people regard the dogs that Heathcliff owns as “possessed swine,” which is an evil term. Joseph perceives the relationship of Heathcliff as ungodly and frequently indicates that they will end up in hell where evil resides. Else, Nelly describes Heathcliff as “cuckoo in the nest,” suggesting that he is responsible for bringing evil to their area.
Also, the relationship between Heathcliff and Isabella is a sign of evil, as it is destructive and a representation of anarchy, which represents evil. Isabella portrays Heathcliff’s villainy by ignoring his humanity and animating him through words such as “tiger’ and “serpent,” which is typically associated with evil. Heathcliff also seeks vengeance when Catherine betrays him, and he wishes her to “rot in hell.” The book indicates that evil coexist with good, conforming to the idea of Baudrillard (1993) that evil promotes good. Heathcliff is both good and bad. He is egocentric and has low compassion. However, it is not easy for one to see his evil nature, unless through analyzation of Grange, who is represented as a good man in the novel
Evil inThe Sign of Four
The theme of evil manifests in the novel through different characters and situations. For instance, the author brings it up through murder and theft. The book, through the character Tonga, a close friend to Jonathan, develops the theme of evil in society, including showing its effects. Tonga is involved in many evil actions. For instance, he shows evil when he was found guilty of killing Bartholomew Sholto by the use of a poisonous dart. In addition, Tonga and Jonathan Small commit evil when they steal some treasures from the treasure chest. These activities face critic in the novel, and he is described as unpleasant: “Never have I seen features so deeply marked with all bestiality and cruelty.”
Many characters regard Tonga to be malicious and of an inherent savage. Tonga’s society does not, however, condone evil, and it punishes evil people for their actions and iniquities (Balfour & Adams, 2014). For instance, Tonga killed Bartholomew Sholto, and consequently, Dr. Watson and Sherlock kill him in the boat chase. The theme of evil also presents when Sholto confesses his greed: “The cursed greed which has been my besetting sin through life has withheld from her the treasure.” Sholto goes as far as keeping a secret of the death of Morstan’s father to attaint treasure.
Evil in ‘The Beach of Falesá’
Evil in the book manifests through the writer’s analysis of the consequences of immoral actions. There is different immorality displayed across the novel. For instance, Case is fond of tricking people for his gain. He tricks Wiltshire into marrying an unsuitable partner, which leads failure of his trading activities. Also, Case criticizes the spiritual nature of the Island’s indigenous people, which is an evil act. Case criticizes people for what they believe. Murder is also heinously shown in the novel. After Wiltshire discovered the trick played on him by Case, he seeks revenge and kills him. Case is thought to have some supernatural powers that are evil in the community. Case creates devil-like front through his magics that helps him win over the island residents, and this reaffirms the residents’ fear of evil. In addition, Uma’s family abandons her, which also represents evil in society.
The marriage of Wilshire, a British trader, brings about many crimes hidden within the community. For instance, the marriage is instated by a trader who offers them certificates to show it is a legal marriage, yet back in the traders mind it was a taboo. This hypocrisy is another type of evil that manifests in the novel. To many, the marriage is evil because the girl does not come from the Island. It is through the union that evil actions, such as imperialism and miscegenation, develop in the novel. The novel shows existence of good and evil when Case and Wiltshire become friends. Wiltshire is a good man, but he committed evil when he killed Case. Death of Case shows how evil is punished through evil, while the success of Wiltshire at the end of the novel displays how good wins over evil.
Conclusion
In summary, the theme of evil develops throughout the three novels. What’s more, evil exists side by side. Looking over the theme enables readers to not only understand the novels but also appreciate the role of evil and good in society.
References
Balfour, D. L., & Adams, G. B. (2014). Unmasking administrative evil. Routledge.
Baudrillard, J. (1993). The transparency of evil: Essays on extreme phenomena. Verso.
Brontë, E. (1870). Wuthering heights. Smith, Elder.
Doyle, A. C. (2010). The sign of four. Broadview Press.
Stevenson, R. L. (2005). The Beach of Falesá. Art of the Novella Series.