Presentation of Dora in the First 3 Chapters of Bell

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Examine Murdoch's presentation of Dora in the first three chapters. How does she produce sympathy for her in the reader?

Murdoch uses many techniques to produce sympathy for Dora in the reader such as interior disclosure and the negative appearance and actions of Paul. The first three chapters are written mostly from Dora's perspective. This has the effect of connecting the reader with Dora and alienated the reader from Paul who acts aggressively and is not given thoughts to justify this.

One way Murdoch produces sympathy for Dora in the reader is by giving the reader an insight into Dora's state of mind. In the opening paragraph this is noticed: "Dora suffered from guilt, and with guilt came fear." Later Murdoch tells the reader that Dora "had never valued herself highly." By allowing the reader to understand how Dora feels about herself, which is very negatively, one can empathise with her actions and the decisions she makes. For example Dora's marriage to Paul seems doomed from the start, yet by telling the reader Dora never valued herself highly, one can understand the effect Paul's flattery must have had on Dora: "She was amazed that Paul should notice her at all." This allows the reader to relate to Dora's actions and sympathise when she makes bad mistakes; such as the marriage to Paul.

Chapter 1 offers insight into Dora's relationship with Paul. Murdoch does this through omniscient comments and by showing how Dora is thinking. I think it is this insight into the relationship that provokes a great amount of sympathy for Dora from the start as it is presented as being a damaging, frightening and domineering relationship.

Murdoch states that Dora was "married and installed in the Knightsbridge flat" this choice of...

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...uncomfortable Dora is within her own skin. Not only is she trapped in her relationship to Paul, she is trapped within her own ideals of how she should be.

In conclusion the first three chapters are presented in a very one sided way giving the reader insight into Dora's feelings but ignoring that of important characters such as Paul. Murdoch characterises Dora using symbolism, interior disclosure, omniscient commenting and by giving her an attractive appearance. These techniques ensure the reader sees Dora as a person and allows one to become involved in this persons emotion. The absence of these techniques in Murdoch's presentation of Paul ensure the reader is alienated from him and view him in terms of his actions rather than the thoughts and emotions behind these. Thus the reader sympathises with the character that is seen to be hurt, upset and fragile: Dora.

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