The Morgesons - Major Themes

Major Themes

Identity (self image)

Cassandra’s main goal on her quest is to find out who she is and where she belongs. She struggles to identify herself because she is constantly being defined by others. Society assigns her a social class and gender roles. Her own family also attempts to define her. In the opening scenes of the novel her aunt deems her “possessed” (5). Her sister Veronica says, “I want to classify Cass” (59). Stoddard often uses mirror scenes to symbolize Cassandra’s search for identity. Throughout the novel, Cassandra looks at herself in mirrors to reflect upon whom she is (185). She recognizes that she has two irreconcilable identities. Externally Cassandra conforms to the conventions of society, yet internally Cassandra rebels against the very institution she conforms to (92).

Inheritance

Inheritance is a key theme in the novel. Stoddard demonstrates how inheritance can be both a blessing and a hindrance. Ben and Desmond Somers inherit both wealth and nobility from their ancestors, yet this wealth leads the young men to idleness and frivolity. Stoddard also shows inheritance as a grave disadvantage to women. Female children, like Cassandra and Veronica, inherit their domestic roles and values from their mothers. Sons inherit money. When Arthur, Cassandra’s younger brother, is born, he automatically displaces Cassandra as the Morgeson heir. A household servant observes, “girls are thought nothing of in this ligious section; they may go to the poor house, as long as the sons have plenty” (25).

Role of Women

Nineteenth-century women were expected to be faithful wives, devoted mothers, and dutiful housekeepers. Once they had fulfilled their duties as wife and mother they were to pass those duties down to their daughters. Throughout the novel Cassandra’s mother hesitates to reign in her young daughters. She seems unsure of whether she wants to force the same restrictions upon them that she herself had grown up under (27). To perform her duty is to set up for her children lives of domestic enslavement. At one point she asks Cassandra, “Should women curse themselves, then, for giving birth to daughters?” (133)

Sexuality

The ideal nineteenth-century woman was passionless and virtually asexual. Stoddard challenges this ideal in her novel, insisting that sexuality is an important part in the protagonist’s development. Cassandra’s sexual awakening in Rosville provides her with a better understanding of herself and her own desires. Appetite becomes symbolic of her passion and sexuality. Cassandra is constantly hungry and never feels satisfied. Her insatiable hunger is symbolic of her sexual desire. The sea too represents Cassandra’s sexuality as well as her individuality. She notices the sea “murmuring softly, creeping along the shore, licking the rocks and sand as if recognizing a master” (63).

Possession

The novel plays on the word possession. Possession refers to both ownership as well as demonic possession. Cassandra is introduced to the reader as “possessed.” Her possession is associated with her refusal to accept social norms. Any woman who went against the conventional roles of womanhood (angel, healer, wife and mother) was deemed either sinful or insane. Stoddard also uses the word possession to show control or ownership. Women in this time period were owned by men. They had no means to support themselves and were completely dependent on men for their survival. At one point in the novel Cassandra is in danger of being possessed by Charles.

The Sea

This is where Cassandra gains her strength. "The inland scenery was tame...Seaward it was enchanting--beautiful under the sun and moon and clouds" (8). At the end of the novel, the sea is where she finds her strength to go on living. “’Have then at life!’ my senses cried. ‘We will possess its longing silence, rifle its waiting beauty. We will rise up in its light and warmth, and cry, 'Come, for we wait.' Its roar, its beauty, its madness--we will have—all.’”(214).