Denotation of the Word “Character”

According to Websters dictionary, guinea pig is defined as a person in a play or novel distinctive feature behavior typical of a person or group moral strength reputation perspective exclusive creation. It is this last de nonation of the word Character that this ch apt(predicate)er deals with the concept of individuality or individual being and how that in turn builds a person i.e. the ego.This chapter foc riding habits on the arduous computer addressistics possessed by Blanche cadaveric and Princess Sasha from Absent in the Spring and Grannie and calamus Maitland from Unfinished Portrait to study the aspect of the egotism which builds. A persons individuality can come out by means of various haughty aspects provided this chapter analytically studies the characters under four major aspects of self-actualization, the striving towards health, the quest for identity and autonomy, the yearning for excellence by finding mastery in their own terms or else than being defin ed by the society.Theres so such(prenominal) much to creating a real character than choosing strong-arm attributes and personality traits. The most memor subject characters substantiation in the readers mind because they look at touched the emotions of the reader and become real people. While molding such a character, the author never stops at the stereotypical basics- but goes a step ahead. That is exactly what Christie has make to her characters chosen for this study. These characters do non fall under the general standard which the reader can so often predict or expect.The first character, Blanche Haggard stands as an analogy to strengthen the aim that the Self is built as by musical mode of finding success in ones own terms rather than being defined by the society. Blanche Haggard, Joans old school friend whom she hasnt awaitn for over 15 years, is a well-bred, overweening woman, who has changed a lot over the years. Joan looks at Blanche as soul who has had a patheti c life.However, Joans perspective of Blanche is biased. This similarly highlights the fact that not all narrations argon likeable or honest. In the grounds of Blanche Haggard, her true character is revealed from a little bit of truth from Joans perspective but mostly through her own dialogues. Joans stylus of looking at Blanche is always with the adjective Poor as a prefix to her name, which is a saturnine notion that she has painted of Blanche. In her personal prayers that night after her encounter with Blanche, Joan prays,God-thank thee-poor Blanche-thank thee that I am not like that- great mercies- all my blessings- especially not like Poor Blanche- Poor Blanche-really dreadful-all her own fault- of escape dreadful- quite a shock- thank God- I am diametrical- Poor BlancheBlanche, however, is an optimist. She has had three husbands, and married to the fourth at present. She is seen to be someone who takes life as it comes, learns to let go and accepts whats negatively thrown at her and use it as a stepping stone to build her Self. To further prove this, one can observe that end-to-end her dialogue with Joan, Blanches confidence is something that invariablely comes to the forefront.According to Joan, Blanche presented a deplorable appearance but Blanche does not search to mind. To her, external appearances dont matter for she has defined success in her own terms. To her, an attr energetic appearance is the least of her worries for she has a man who loves her for who she is and if he doesnt (in the case of her previous marri durations) she moves on and doesnt dwell in the shambles of a blue relationship. Her looks neednt affect her whatevermore, for to her, success is living a joyful life.She says from experience,Oh well, thats the way of the world. You quit when you ought to stick, and you take on a thing that youd better channel alone one minute lifes so lovely you can but believe its true and immediately after that youre going through a hell of misery and measly When things are going well you echo theyll last forever- and they never do- and when youre down under you think youll never come up and breathe again. Thats what life is, isnt it?It is quite evident that Blanche says this out of familiarity. She starts by saying that this is the way of world for she has been through the many ups and downs in life. She had quit once, but fought back up to her feet, started to let of go of things that hurt her if she kept holding on to them (her broken marriages for interpreter). She describes how people express life to be perfective aspect and blissful moreover to be faced by hardship and suffering that makes them hit rock bottom.This shows that Blanche is someone who isnt afraid of reality. She faces the actuality of her life and doesnt flee from the truth. She has had her share of bitter experiences from the past when she narrates and describes the many other men in her life. Theres Harry, a bad lot yet good looking Tom, w ho didnt amount to much Johnnie, who was good time it lasted (which means she nutriments changing her men when she knows its time to move on- happy go lucky) and Gerald, who wasnt good either, but thats what do her fond of him.A woman seeks for a man who is her equal someone who can challenge her and be a rebel at times. Blanches inclination towards such men is proof that she herself is one. She does not regret any of her life choices for she has already done so and now knows what to look out for. She is only attracted to men, who are different like herself. They arent up to any good, but thats what makes her fond of them.All this comes as a shock to Joan. She feels that it was an repellent catalogue of men. But Joans way of defining success is narrow when compared to Blanche who is very much unshockable and independent. In one such instance, she asks a rhetoric question, to make a statement rather than to bewilder an answer And when youre down under you think youll never come up and breathe again.Thats what life is, isnt it? Blanche doesnt stay stagnant in the pitfalls of life but she comes back up more matured than ever to contract any feature at get hold of. She had assumed that one could never come up and breathe, but it isnt the case for her and her life stands testimony to that. In one instance, Joan describes Blanche saying, looks years oldercould be more than 48.However, this does not indicate her physical appearance of being old but it metaphorically indicates her level of maturity through the years. The fact that she doesnt look her actual age but looks much older than she really is comes here as a sign of mellowness, rather than being old. She has experienced much in life that she doesnt look her age, at present.Even when Joan feels sorry for her (as society does) she immediately says that she shouldnt waste her sympathy on her. She is not one to catch up with in her misfortunes as Joan would put it, but moves on and takes life as it comes again stressing the fact that she defines success in her own terms rather than how society sees it. Dont waste your sympathies on me. Ive had lots of fun she says.Her sanction does not only make her carry herself differently but it also sticks to those around. For instance when, Blanche brings up the topic of Rodney having a roving eye or Joans daughter, Barbara, not having a happy time at radical and hence decided to be married off and gone, Joan is immediately bringd by this for she gives a second plan to the same. This clearly indicates Blanches sureness in her opinions not only stays with her but also impacts those around her overly.In one instance Joan thinks to herself, What was it that Blanche had said? Even if Joan sees Blanche differently, she still is impacted by what Blanche had to say. Blanche also doesnt worry round the way in which she is judged by others. Her self is built on the strong foundation of the truth she believes in about herself. She is appreciative in nature for she applauds Joan for how well she has brought up her family.This does not however mean that she doesnt have a satisfying life, but shows that shes learnt to see the good in others their other side. Shes seen it all and thus has a validating take on life. She is of the idea that Come what may, I shall face it and come out successful.Thus, Blanche Haggard, is a character whose ability to define success on her own terms, brings out her individuality which in turn builds her Self.Peter Maitland from Unfinished Portrait also falls under this category. Peter, who is Celias best friends brother, has a craving towards Celia and they yettually fall in love but do not get married. However, from what the reader deciphers, Peter is of an extraordinary character. He doesnt rush or hurry and takes everything in a sportive attitude.His motto is Well, why spend your life rushing? Take it easy- enjoy yourself. Peters ability to calm himself down in a fast phased world is highly in dicative of his character. In Celias own words, Peter was dear, easy going and sweet-tempered. kindred Blanche, he takes life as it comes and doesnt expect much in return either.Being a pass in the army, Peter knows that lifes full of unexpected circumstances he knows what would be Celias fate if she did marry him but he lets her be open-minded when it comes to moving on and finding someone else. Despite being the patriarch, he doesnt restrict Celia but lets her be independent in her choices.In his letter to Celia, he says, Id like you to be like a queen. To him, letting people bloom in their own spaces and watching them grow is considered to be his true contentment. When Celia falls for Dermot (her husband), Peter takes it sportively. He congratulates Celia on her choice and wishes her well.To Peter, he defines success by not only being the reason for someones happiness, but his happiness is also seeing those he loves be happy even if he is not the reason either. His Self is bui lt to such an extent that he is able to face the loss of something that he holds dear. Thus both Blanche and Peter are striking usages of the Self which builds as a result of the corroboratory traits which they possess.The second aspect to be studied to further strengthen the claim that the Self builds is the positive trait of Self-Actualization. The Oxford Dictionary defines Self-Actualization as, the acknowledgement or fulfilment of ones talents and potentialities, especially considered as a drive or need present in everyone.And that brings this study to the next character Princess Sasha. Sashas positive trait, is what makes her the apt example to fortify the claim that the Self builds. Studies show that if sociology is taken into play, then the character will influence not only the message but also the view the analysis must take of the message, peculiarly of messages which connote such meanings as power and quality.Sasha, who is clearly in a position of power has the upper hand in convincing the reader as well as Joan, that what she says is equal to the power she possesses. The way she carries herself, dialogue to others and treats her fellow passengers shows the Self which has built as a result of the positive trait of Self-Actualization. Just her source lines indicate what sort of a person she is.I apologize for this early morning intrusion. It is an iniquitously angry hour for a train to leave, and I disturb your repose..we shall not get on too badly on each others nerves. It is but two days to Stamboul, and I am not catchy to live with. And if I smoke too much, you will tell me. But now I leave you to sleep..again I say how sorry I am you have been disturbedI see you are sympathetic- good- we shall get on together famouslyIn Sasha, one can see the realization of true potential and her talents have been well-groomed when further down in the novel, it is revealed that she can speak in more than eight languages. She is well-accomplished clearly d enoting that she has imbibed an affirmative living. Despite being a princess, she has also practiced the art of humility. She doesnt think too high of herself in spite of her many accomplishments.She apologizes for intruding. She lets Joan know that if there is anything that makes Joan uncomfortable (Sashas smoking for instance) she shouldnt keep it to herself but let Sasha know. This also indicates that Sasha is open to criticism and is sensitive to those around her. Someone who is Royal by birth, neednt stoop so low, let alone adopt for a public mode of transport. Sasha does not let pride take over her and that is seen as one of her positive traits and this reflects in the way she treats others.Her character results in the building up of another(prenominal). This kind of thought about human behavior, which emphasizes the uniqueness of the individual, the importance of values and meaning, and the potential for self-direction and personal growth are what sums up the character of Sas ha thus making her yet another example of the Self which builds.Grannie, the third most prominent entity from Unfinished Portrait is a striking example of the Self which builds. Determination, independence despite her age, the aspect of striving towards health and the strong will to live are the positive traits observed in this character.Introduced to the reader as an eighty year old woman, Grannie is surprisingly brisk and sharp that the activities she does and her age dont correlate. One of the very first reasons to validate this is the fact that Grannie being eighty still has authority over her household. She walks with her large bunch of keys clanking and this immediately paints a picture of a woman who is in control over things. She is in possession of the keys which also stresses her power. In Celias commentary about Grannie she says,Grannie was a very handsome ladyin figure she was majestically stout with a pronounced bosom and stately hips. She wore dresses of velvet.Granni es appearance also adds to her character. Despite her age, she is still strong built and this gives her an added air of confidence. Something about her description sounds royal, with words like majestic and dresses of velvet.The Self in her has built through the ages and this is obviously proved when Celia looks up to her grandmother more than she does to her own mother. The absence of the male entity in Grannies life (i.e her husband) also adds to the independence which she portrays. Like Blanche, she has had three husbands previously, all of them dead now. This indicates that she has not only seen her share of men but also had to go through mourning not once or twice but thrice.Yet, it was just a phase and she has sailed through life and keeps pushing despite her physical deterioration (her failing sight). Celias grandmother plays a major role in both the life of Celia and her mother. Her constant presence even when she is physically absent is seen whenever Celia thinks of what G rannie had to say if faced by a situation clearly highlighting that Celias upbringing into a woman is influenced by Grannie in a positive way.Grannies will to live also gives a glimpse of her mental make-up. Studies show that most sicknesses occur in the psyche even before it takes root in the human body. Here, Grannie is seen as an exception since even her ailing health as a result of age is hardly a barrier. She is as active as ever, that even her death occurs while she is busy knitting mittens for Celias baby. People who have been through hardships at a very early age show signs of strength as the years progress.Grannie, having lost her parents at the age of fourteen with twelve younger siblings to look after is seen to be someone who has taken up the role of a parent when she herself was a child. This reflects in the stories she tells to Celia where the characters always end up dead. Christie couldve also added this instance to slightly stress the fact that while there are peopl e meeting their end, here is Grannie, who has been defying age and lives to be a ninety. Thus, the aspect of the Self being built as a result of positive traits such as determination, independence, the aspect of striving towards health and the strong will to live is reflected through the character of Grannie.Many people realize their selves much later in life. But the sooner one becomes aware(p) of this essence within, the sooner the change happens. This chapter is thus brought to a conclusion, as one critically looked at the characters with positive traits by grouping them under the categories of Self-Actualization, defining success in their own terms and the striving towards health.