10-29-2007, 06:51 PM
Yes, then you contrast his character with his daughter and prospective daughter-in-law, both of whom are extremely innocent. In my opinion, the daughter is much more innocent and the author purposely makes this so, in order to present polar opposites within the family. You have the mother, who is essentially a good person and quite religious but is ruled so much by her husband that she is willing to do what would have been considered wicked back in the medieval age. The Catholic Church was strong during this period, but of course, there were many who opposed their rule. Our villain reminds me somewhat of Henry VIII, who decided to make up his own rules.
These early Gothics tended to make characters essentially all good or all bad. There was very little "gray". Those who were bad were motivated by greed, never giving thought to anyone else. Our villain thought he could correct his wrongdoing but it wasn't really motivated by conscience. I believe he was motivated by the thought that if he could continue his line, it would justify his position, rather than make him a usurper.
These early Gothics tended to make characters essentially all good or all bad. There was very little "gray". Those who were bad were motivated by greed, never giving thought to anyone else. Our villain thought he could correct his wrongdoing but it wasn't really motivated by conscience. I believe he was motivated by the thought that if he could continue his line, it would justify his position, rather than make him a usurper.