The Moonstone essays

The Moonstone essays Thomas Collins in The Moonstone begins his novel with the traditional portrayal of India; a place filled with adventure, booty, mysticism, savageness, and treachery. There seems to be a pervasive fear through out the British folk through out his novel; a fear of mixing of races, of moral corruption, of a savages disregard for human life, and a fear of them lurking in the shadows. However this not what Collins wishes this to be the final impression of India for his audience. What Collin instead creates a noble portrait of India filled with piety, ancient duty, and of sacrifice through his effective portrayal of the good Ezra Jennings, subtle description of the final resting place of the Moonstone, the revelation of the true nature of Godfrey Ablewhite, and the subtle hypocrisy of all the British prejudices towards the Indians. In the beginning of the novel we get an account of the history of the Moonstone up till John Herncastle becomes in possession of it. It is told by a reliable and trusted family member, the cousin of John Herncastle, who has no interest in relating this tale in a falsely negative light for it reflects badly upon everyone in his family. Although it is never explicitly written that John Herncastle murdered the sacred priests for this jewel; it is meant for us to infer this. We hear the dying words of the Indian Brahmin in his native tongue as his blood drips of dagger held in Herncastles hand: The Moonstone will have its vengeance yet on you and yours! (58). However despite this damning evidence the dying utterance of an Indian is not enough to even utter an accusation against a British officer. We can see his true feelings towards the guilt of his cousin John Herncastle. After watching the Indian die he questions Herncastle for an explanation of this shocking bloody scene. He w ithholds the knowledge that he understood the dying Indians last words because his first instinc...