Speaking from a psychological standpoint, naturalistic observation is often used as a method of research or study as a means of examining how certain behaviors are the result of responses to certain social situations. In this sense, if someone (such as Clara) is observed in her natural habitat, she will be more likely to behave without influence than if she knows she is being observed.
As the novel progresses we see closer into Clara's true character through her responses to problems, but even more so through her responses to problems when she feels her actions are being observed by someone (or something) that has power over her. In addition to psychologically speaking, from a religious point of view we often (even subconsciously) act a certain way if we consider that God (or others who might judge us) are watching. Thus, when Clara becomes involved with this supernatural being, her character begins to change, not only because of the strangeness of the situation itself, but also in a natural instinct to protect herself.
In regard to Clara's utilization of religion as opposed to its influence on her, page 25 reads, "In the midst of present enjoyment, no thought was bestowed on the future. As a consolation in calamity religion is dear. But calamity was yet at a distance, and its only tendency was to heighten enjoyments which needed not this addition to satisfy every craving." This passage begs us to question if religions plays separate roles in good times versus in bad times. At the opening of the novel where this quote is found, Clara does not seem to indicate any particular need for religious faith, yet when good times become bad times, she suddenly places much more emphasis on whatever the supernatural might be trying to show her. It's often true that we turn to religions when we "need it," but believe we are powerful enough to fend for ourselves outside of times of strife. Clara demonstrates this internal conflict, struggling with this type of power, asking, "Was this the penalty of disobedience? Is it a fresh proof that the Divine Ruler interferes in human affairs...? (21)" This quote perhaps marks Clara's first self examination in which she questions her own power, wondering if she in fact has control over herself. From here, she, and we as readers, are challenged to understand how awareness of being observed and judged affects our actions, what religion means at different times in our lives, and how much control we truly have of our selves.
Abby,
ReplyDeleteWhat I gathered from your post is that the reason Clara is acting differently is because she feels she’s now being watched. I see two possible variations of this theory. The first is that she isn’t changing she is just acting differently because she knows there’s an audience, like people on reality TV shows who portray themselves differently because they know they’re being watched. Or maybe you think she is truly transforming but the supernatural events are the catalyst and without them there would be no change. I agree, but isn’t this true of us all. If any of us living a normal life where introduced to a like situation wouldn’t we all “change” our behavior? There’s a lot of class discussion about Clara’s “change”. And of course it’s evident but her change is more awareness, doubt, and an introduction to new emotions than it is a transformation of her character. She doesn’t lose her moral fiber. She doesn’t become a sinner or a villain; she’s just reacting as you pointed, in order to protect herself.
I also agree that people, in general, are conveniently more devout in time of strife. Clara was never religious. Not once has it mentioned that she prayed or went to church. It mentions in the book that as far as religion goes they, Clara and Wieland, were left to the guidance of their own understanding ( P24). Which it loosely describes as a notion that if you do good and feel good everything’s going to be all right. It’s my belief that Clara never got deeply involved in religion because subconsciously she associated it with negative results. Her father was extremely devout and he was often times depressed and died at a young age, her mother as well. When religion was removed from her life it appears her life took a 180 and everything was sublime. She never thought that happiness and religion were mutually exclusive. Rather it was the opposite, the absence of religion was what provided peace and enjoyment, until now. I guess we’ll have to wait and see if the recent events in her life will enhance her faith or make her loose what little she has.
I enjoyed reading your post.
-Tomas Suarez