Clara: From Conviction to Confusion

The evolution of Clara’s character throughout Wieland is no trivial anomaly, no singular accident. Veritably, the characters of Wieland are all dynamic in their responses to the extraordinary events that take place. Clara, as the narrator, is especially affected and changed.

Clara’s character, as she considers herself in an unremarkable, stagnant setting, is reposed, secure, and she believes her view of the world to be accurate. She is afforded confidence in herself and in her beliefs by her isolation from a larger humanity. The change, therefore, takes place (as dynamic character changes often do) as a result of an influential outside force. In Wieland, that force is believed to be the supernatural.

So far, there have been three key incidents where the foundation of Clara’s character is shaken. The first is her indirect confrontation with the disembodied voice of Catherine. Once Pleyel recounts the events, Clara is quickly removed from her initial belief that “tales of apparitions” contained nothing but “ignorance and folly.” (36*) Very little convincing and the word of one man was all that was necessary to harbinger doubt. She accepted a “sensible and intelligent existence,” and regarded it as peaceable.

The second occurrence that effected a change in Clara’s demeanor, and perhaps catalyzed her revolution into suspicion, was when she overheard voices whispering of her murder. Initially, her original character was present enough to suggest reasonable sources of the voices, but once the malicious intent was recognized, her fortitude failed. The event had a sudden and lasting impression on the safety she considered impenetrable, and on her serenity that she assumed was owed to her by her virtue. (45)

The most recent interference was two-parted: first, Clara had an ominous dream involving her brother; and second, another voice was heard urging her to flee in order to preserve her safety. (50) Though the voice she again hears is considerate of her, and even goes so far as to guarantee her safety, it implies protection from some harmful force. Thus, her fears and uncertainty are deepened.

I realize I did not include the incident of Carwin in Clara’s closet, and that is because the event is not considered supernatural by the characters, though I suspect a connection between Carwin and the supernatural events. Comments on this topic are encouraged, as well as Carwin’s affect on Clara’s character. Thanks for reading!

Also, I am reading from a different book so my pages are probably off, sorry!