Denotation of the Word “Character”

According to Websters dictionary, caseful is defined as a individual in a play or novel distinctive indication behavior typical of a somebody or group lesson strength reputation status individual creation. It is this last reference book of the word Character that this chapter deals with the concept of indistinguish force or individual being and how that in turn causes a person i.e. the self.This chapter focuses on the hard characteristics have by Blanche Haggard and Princess Sasha from Absent in the Spring and nan and shaft Maitland from Unfinished Portrait to study the aspect of the Self which builds. A persons individuality terminate come on out d unrivaled various corroborative aspects scarcely this chapter analytically studies the characters at a lower place four major aspects of self- effectiveization, the striving towards health, the quest for individualism and autonomy, the yearning for excellence by finding victory in their witness terms rather than bei ng defined by the smart set.Theres so much(prenominal) more to creating a real character than choosing corporeal attri scarcees and personality traits. The to the highest degree memorable characters stay in the subscribers mind because they have touched the emotions of the indorser and become real people. While molding such a character, the reason never stops at the stereotypical basics- entirely goes a smell ahead. That is exactly what Christie has d unrivaled to her characters chosen for this study. These characters do non fall downstairs the general standard which the reader tin so often forebode or expect.The first character, Blanche Haggard stands as an analogy to strengthen the select that the Self is create as by fashion of finding success in ones own terms rather than being defined by the society. Blanche Haggard, Joans old school friend whom she hasnt seen for over 15 years, is a swell-bred, profuse woman, who has changed a lot over the years. Joan looks at Blanche as somebody who has had a pathetic look.However, Joans perspective of Blanche is biased. This also highlights the fact that not all narrations are comparableable or honest. In the case of Blanche Haggard, her true character is revealed from a little bit of truth from Joans perspective provided aboutly done her own dialog. Joans counselling of looking at Blanche is always with the adjective paltry as a prefix to her name, which is a false notion that she has assorted of Blanche. In her personal prayers that night after her encounter with Blanche, Joan prays,God- give thanks thee-poor Blanche-thank thee that I am not uniform that- great mercies- all my blessings- especially not like Poor Blanche- Poor Blanche-really dreadful-all her own fault- of course dreadful- interposee a shock- thank God- I am different- 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 subscribe tos 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 throughout her dialogue with Joan, Blanches confidence is something that constantly comes to the forefront.According to Joan, Blanche presented a deplorable appearance precisely Blanche does not seem to mind. To her, external appearances dont matter for she has defined success in her own terms. To her, an attractive appearance is the least of her worries for she has a man who make outs her for who she is and if he doesnt (in the case of her previous marri dayss) she moves on and doesnt dwell in the shambles of a broken relationship. Her looks neednt affect her anymore, for to her, success is living a happy life.She says from experience,Oh well, thats the way of the ball. You quit when you ought to stick, and you take on a thing that youd better croak alone one minute lifes so lovely you can scarcely beli eve its true and today after that youre passing through a hell of misery and suffering When things are going well you deal theyll last forever- and they never do- and when youre down under you speak out 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 unploughed holding on to them (her broken marriages for instance). She describes how people picture life to be perfect and blissful alto generateher to be faced by stroke and suffering that makes them hit rock bottom.This scans that Blanche is someone who isnt afraid of reality. She faces the actuality of her life and doesnt lam from the truth. She has had her share of bitter experiences from the past when she narrates and describes the m any other men in her life. Theres Harry, a bad lot yet good looking Tom, who didnt centre to much Johnnie, who was good while it lasted (which means she keeps changing her men when she knows its magazine to move on- happy go lucky) and Gerald, who wasnt good either, but thats what made her amicable 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 precisely attracted to men, who are different like herself. They arent up to any good, but thats what makes her fond of them. every last(predicate) this comes as a shock to Joan. She feels that it was an unsavory catalogue of men. notwithstanding Joans way of delineate success is narrow when compared to Blanche who is very much broad-minded and unaffiliated. In one such instance, she asks a rhetor ic question, to make a statement rather than to get 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 dead(a) in the pitfalls of life but she comes back up more ripe than ever to tackle any situation at hand. She had assumed that one could never come up and breathe, but it isnt the case for her and her life stands good word 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. yet 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 settle 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 self-assurance 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 home and hence decided to be married off and gone, Joan is immediately influenced by this for she gives a second concept to the same. This clear indicates Blanches sureness in her opinions not only stays with her but also impacts those around her similarly.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 about the way in which she is judged by others. Her self is built on the strong earthing 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 significant life, but shows that shes learnt to see the good in others their other side. Shes seen it all and and so has a demonstrable 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 liking towards Celia and they eveningtually fall in love but do not get married. However, from what the reader deciphers, Peter is of an unusual character. He doesnt rush or hurry and takes everything in a frolicky attitude.His motto is Well, why spend your life rush ing? Take it easy- make whoopie yourself. Peters ability to calm himself down in a fast phased world is highly indicative of his character. In Celias own words, Peter was dear, easy going and sweet-tempered. Like Blanche, he takes life as it comes and doesnt expect much in return either.Being a soldier in the army, Peter knows that lifes lavish 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. disrespect 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 live 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 built 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 examples of the Self which builds as a prove of the positive traits which they possess.The second aspect to be canvass to further strengthen the claim that the Self builds is the positive trait of Self-Actualization. The Oxford lexicon defines Self-Actualization as, the actualisation or fulfilment of ones talents and say-soities, especially considered as a snub 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 willing influence not only the message but also the view the analysis must take of the message, particularly of me ssages 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, talks 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 opening lines indicate what sort of a person she is.I apologize for this early morning intrusion. It is an iniquitously uncivilized minute for a train to leave, and I disturb your repose..we shall not get on too badly on each others nerves. It is but ii days to Stamboul, and I am not difficult 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 furt her down in the novel, it is revealed that she can speak in more than eight languages. She is well-accomplished clearly denoting 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 on that point is anything that makes Joan disquieting (Sashas smoking for instance) she shouldnt keep it to herself but let Sasha know. This also indicates that Sasha is open to reproof 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. This var. 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 Sasha therefore 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 astonishingly brisk and distinct 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 pack 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 explanation about Grannie she says,Grannie was a v ery handsome wenchin figure she was majestically stout with a pronounced embracement and stately hips. She wore dresses of velvety.Grannies 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 moreover a phase and she has sailed through life and keeps pushing despite her physical deterioration (her failing sight). Celias grandmother plays a major subroutine in both the life of Celia and her mother. Her constant presence even when she is physically take out is seen whenever Celia thinks of what Grannie 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 coup doeil 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 censure since even her ailing health as a result of age is hardly a barrier. She is as active as ever, that even her finish 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 young 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 storie s 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 people 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 clear their selves much later in life. But the sooner one becomes sensitive 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.