Rachel Humphrey’s Characterization
In the fiction, the author gives us a look at the sexist-driven perspectives, which constitute the attitudes that society has towards women and their bodies and minds. The doctor represents the male who manipulates and rules over the female body. His language as he delves into his sexual fantasy illustrates the violent societal view descended on the female body, which is seen as a text to be read (Lopez 2019). The knowledge and interaction he has with the female body as a doctor is a form of mastery. The character of Grace and Rachel contrast each other in as far as the doctor’s view is concerned.
Dr. Simon’s encounter with Grace contradicts the knowledge he claims to extract information from and about an individual. He tries to conquer Grace’s amnesia and helps her remember the events surrounding the murder while vigorously seeking to understand her thorough self- containment. The doctor desires Grace, even sexually. He employs every permissible tact to gain her trust to manipulate her into talking. However, Grace proves to be the hardest nut to crack open. As a result, he seeks refuge in a woman who is much easier to “penetrate.”
Mrs. Rachel Humphrey, who is also Dr. Simon’s landlady, is that more accessible option. She is married to an alcoholic who later leaves her without any money. She becomes distraught and desperate. As a result, a friendship ensues between the doctor and Rachel. He offers her support and pays some of her bills. He consoles and even cooks food for her. Soon after, that develops into a sexual affair. She is vulnerable and dependent on the doctor, thus gives him a sense of power and control; he is unable to execute with Grace. Her character and role fit perfectly the description of the doctor’s object of sexual frustration. The affair comes to an abrupt end as he runs away from the complicated case of Grace and back to Europe. It further proves that the doctor was only using her selfishly.
Work Cited
Lopez, Maria. “You Are One Of Us”: Communities Of Marginality, Vulnerability, And Secrecy In Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace. University Of Cordoba, 2019, https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjB7fGq65nqAhXh1uAKHZHwCBsQFjANegQIBhAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fojs.lib.uwo.ca%2Findex.php%2Fesc%2Farticle%2Fdownload%2F9702%2F7802&usg=AOvVaw0YvCIFMGZlibJ2LutCk4Wq. Accessed 24 June 2020.