Writing Techniques in Behind a Mask

This Study Guide consists of approximately 11 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Behind a Mask.
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Writing Techniques in Behind a Mask

This Study Guide consists of approximately 11 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Behind a Mask.
This section contains 493 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page)
Buy the Behind a Mask Short Guide

Behind a Mask is a fast-paced thriller, remarkable for forward-looking feminist themes. These are developed through the interplay between vivid, varied characters. Bella's simplicity and Edward's good-heartedness serve to balance Gerald's distrust and Lucia's dislike. Haughty Lucia embodies the dullness of docility in contrast to Jean, and Sir John a moral uprightness. Jean is a skillfully crafted character, interesting for what she does and what she stands for. A one-dimensional, scheming, bitter, and entirely malicious Jean would have worked against Alcott's feminist purpose.

To engage the reader quickly, Alcott opens with a touch of intrigue. Jean Muir may not be merely a pale, thin, governess in a plain dress. "Something in the lines of the mouth betrayed strength," and her voice "had a curious mixture of command and entreaty in its varying tones." The reader is fascinated with Jean by the time she unmasks in the privacy of...

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This section contains 493 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page)
Buy the Behind a Mask Short Guide
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Behind a Mask from Gale. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.