Deception

Definition

Deception refers to the act of misleading or tricking someone into believing something that is not true. In literature, it often serves as a key device for creating tension and conflict, enabling characters to navigate complex social situations or conceal their true motives. This element is critical in shaping narrative structure and character development, leading readers to question the reliability of the narrative and the authenticity of the characters' intentions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wilkie Collins is known for using deception as a central theme in his sensation novels, often involving hidden identities and secret motives.
2. Deception can create a strong sense of suspense, keeping readers engaged as they try to unravel the truth behind characters' actions.
3. In sensation novels, characters frequently deceive others to protect themselves or achieve personal goals, leading to complex moral dilemmas.
4. Collins's characters often embody dual identities or concealed pasts, which are revealed through twists in the plot that highlight the theme of deception.
5. The impact of deception on relationships is explored in sensation novels, revealing how trust can be manipulated and shattered.

Review Questions

• How does deception function as a plot device in Wilkie Collins's sensation novels?
  • Deception serves as a vital plot device in Wilkie Collins's sensation novels by creating intrigue and driving conflict. Characters often employ deceit to conceal their true intentions, which propels the story forward. This manipulation not only engages readers but also challenges them to piece together the truth, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
• Discuss how deception affects character development in Collins's works, particularly regarding moral ambiguity.
  • In Collins's works, deception plays a crucial role in shaping character development and moral ambiguity. Characters who engage in deceit often grapple with their choices, leading to internal conflicts that reveal their true nature. This exploration of morality complicates the reader's perception of right and wrong, as characters may exhibit both admirable qualities and reprehensible actions in their attempts to deceive others.
• Evaluate the societal implications of deception as portrayed in sensation novels, especially in relation to Victorian norms.
  • Deception in sensation novels reflects and critiques Victorian societal norms by exposing the underlying tensions between appearance and reality. These narratives often reveal how social expectations compel individuals to mislead others, thus highlighting issues such as gender roles, class disparities, and personal autonomy. By examining the consequences of deception, these novels prompt readers to reconsider the value placed on honesty and integrity within a rigid social structure.

Related terms

Suspense: A feeling of excitement or anxious uncertainty about what may happen next in a story, often heightened by deception.

Foreshadowing: A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story, sometimes involving elements of deception.

Unreliable Narrator: A narrator whose credibility is compromised, often using deception to mislead both other characters and the reader.