Theme of Control in Uncle Silas (Free Essay Sample)

The control Maud Ruthvyn lacks begins with the smaller details in her life. To begin with, growing up Maud in an isolated estate with little to no companions. Originally, her father, Austin Rhuthyn, dedicates the lifestyle and companionship of Maud. After the death of her mother, Austin isolates Maud in their estate and as a result Maud is a shy and naive character. Her father is a dominating figure in her life, who she constantly goes between loving and fearing. A constant pattern that influences much of Maud’s life. Her inability to control her sentiments and emotional responses soon begin to influence many of the decisions she makes and ultimately leads to a complete loss of power, in any regard, to her life entirely. For example, Maud’s consistent fear and panic of the unknown around her, causes her to question her capabilities several times throughout the novel. For example… ( whether she is seeing ghosts, locked in a room, seeing death) Ultimately, making her question whether she mentally fit, questioning what she believes is true. Additionally, her display of emotional distress sets her character as naive and incapable, a characteristic that often allows others to take advantage of her. 

Furthermore, larger factors of  Maud’s life are dictated by others, despite the upper-class status she holds. Despite being born and raised as nobility, Maud gains no advantage from holding such a position, instead, she is taken advantage of more because of the title. One of the main consistent factors that prevent Maud from taking control of her life is the male figures around her. Repetitively, Maud is forced to give up or is manipulated into surrendering her control. Actions that she believes are necessary because of the naivety she was raised in within the higher class society. For example, when Maud's father passes, she is put under the guardianship of her Uncle Silas. A figure who does not hold a positive reputation because of his troublesome behaviors and suspicious behaviors yet is favored by Maud. Living under the control of her uncle she loses control over her transportation, and opinions, and eventually loses her voice. Yet, she naively believes his character to be pure and righteous because he is within the same social class as her. She turns a blind eye to his horrendous actions and continuously forgives his cruel behavior. Ultimately, Maud’s lack of control is the ultimate horror, her inability to differentiate status and character leads to the surrender of control to the power within the patriarchal society. 

Although, despite the difference in status, Madame de la Rougiere holds more power than Maud, as she plays into the assumptions made of her character. Madame de la Rouguiere is initially introduced as the “large-featured, smirking phantom” that has an “unpleasant hold upon the nerves'' (pg.26), how she holds herself immediately sets off the characters around her. Maud, Mrs. Rusk, Lady Monica Knollys, and others express their dislike and disgust towards her character several times, going as far as outright voicing their hate, “I hate them Frenchwomen; they’re not natural. I think.” (pg. 26). Yet, rather than succumb to the hate associated with her lower status, Madame de la Rougiere uses her displeasing identity to submit others to her will. For example… A power unique to her character alone because of her standing in society. The lower class status allows Madame to play into the stereotype that she is un-intelligent and knows nothing of what she does, which in turn provides her the opportunity to manipulate and seize greater control. An example of this is when Austin Rhythm, Maud’s father, dismisses Maud’s concerns about Madame de la Rougiere, rather than believe his own daughter.

Additionally, Madame de la Rouguiere exploits the power of the men in the novel to gain more control. Similar to Maud, the men in the novel view Madame de la Rouguiere as inferior. Not only because of her status but because of her gender. The idea that a woman may be anything more than themselves, sets off a disbelief that outweighs the truth. To illustrate, Silas Rhuthtn once again dismisses Maud’s fear of Madame de la Rouguiere, claiming that she is instead a just woman. Consequently, Madame de la Rougiere uses Sila's power to empower herself more. Madame de la Rouguiere makes Silas believe that she is entirely on his side for what he plans to do to Maud, an example of her exploitation of the men in the novel. Simply by siding with Silas, Madame de la Rouguiere empowers herself to a position Maud will never achieve, effortlessly becoming his second hand. A position that enhances the control she holds. 

However, as much as Madame de la Rouguiere uses the men to gain more control, she never is above the power they hold, similar to Maud. The patricarly society in which they live in,  consists of a male-dominated power structure, one which dedicates society and individual relationships, in which men hold the ultimate power. The male figures within the novel, Austin, Silas and many more benefit tremendously from the male dominated structure. Specifically, rather than be held accountable for their actions, they are rationalized to prevent further negative consequences. For example, Dudley Ruthyn is given the opportuntiy to live freely, rather than suffer the consequcnes of murdering Madame de la Rouguiere. 

Maud lacks change of maturity throughout the novel, rather than grow she displays the same characteristics she held as a child. Ultimately, Maud Rhuthyn never truly gains any significant control over her life, as well as any of the female characters throughout the novel.