KEY PASSAGE – CHAPTER NINE (PAGE 96-99)
We are reading this extract from The Author’s point of view, but its Cecilia whose thoughts we are aware of. Hence, the author is giving us Cecilia’s account of what is happening.
This is important, as even though Cecilia’s thoughts are what we are aware of, it is the authors comments that we take note of.
Overall, we could say that the author’s intentions are to make us relate to Cecilia, expose different facets to her character and how she is in the privacy of her room, what her train of thoughts are.
The use of the words “immediately” and “reconsider” and “moments inspiration” indicate Cecilia’s over-thinking mind, as she acts fast and is frequently inspired. She seems to be creative and energetic. Also, she is understanding and has good crisis-management abilities as she is calm and reserved when she ought to be on behalf of other people – “You’ve got one sock each then, and you’re fighting over it.” – (the scene when the twins come to her for assistance even though she has other things to handle)
Authorial comments that originally spring from Cecilia’s train of thought such as, “Its air of invulnerability was heightened by the darkness of her eyes” portray Cecilia to be very aware of her features, as she puts a lot of thought into things.
Also, The rhetorical questions to herself (directed at the reader – “How was she to think straight?”) and lists “swapped her pearls, re-touched her make-up, applied perfume”, indicate Cecilia’s restless, over-wrought character at this point, yet it also illustrates her energy levels and ability to be fast-paced and energetic.
Yet, she is easily over-wrought and when in flurry, over-whelmed. However, Ian McEwan uses A HYPHEN to describe the dress she chose out and how exactly it’s the best choice. “Hem – a safe choice.” – This use of this particular sentence structure/syntax/punctuation illustrates Cecilia’s calculated+reasonable mindset+way of thinking.
Ian McEwan uses SIMILES to shed light on Cecilia’s thought pattern. He claims that she feels (in certain cases) like AN OLDER PERSON OF 70/80. “80 year olds party frock – future self” - PERHAPS SHES SCARED OF OLD AGE. She mocks old age, “all I need is rabbit buttons” – perhaps she has distaste for older people. Maybe she’s narcissistic? And she LOVES HER YOUTH, yet she seems like she can exaggerate scenarios. She is very SELF CONSCIOUS – “figure-hugging” – proud of her sex appeal.
“slippery+secure” – she feels sexually alert. SIBILANCE TOO- indicates softness/sleekness, maybe she wants to feel like that in Robbie’s company? – This is an indication to SENSOUS THOUGHTS ABOUT HIM.
She feels/is – young and energetic. She loves her youth, confidence and sexuality. However she is a complex character – she doesn’t want to FEEL TOO YOUNG. “wouldn’t help looking like sherley temple” - strong approach to adolescence. She wants to MATURE. A very anxious, demanding, thoughtful character. She is merely concerned about her image – Perhaps to impress someone (Robbie in this case)
She is sensuous – as McEwan gives us an indication to her age (post – finals gown) – we can tell that she is young and thriving and perhaps her restlessness is to do with impressing someone. She is self-conscious but not to the point of obsession.
In contrast to that, as youthful as she wishes to be, McEwan presents to the readers her maternal side. She is soft, motherly, caring and affectionate – there is an adult side to her – “She couldn’t help feeling gratified” (as the twins held her hands)
But, at the same time, she maintains her lively, thoughtful behaviour out of will – because a short sentence follows the aforementioned quote “she couldn’t not help thinking about her dress” – her thoughts steer back straight to her, and this short sentence (syntax) – shows her over-working/passionate/restless/self-conscious mind.
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