Memoirs of a Midget · Question
How does Memoirs of a Midget develop the theme of Deception and Self-Deception?
Answer
Memoirs of a Midget by Walter de la Mare develops Deception and Self-Deception across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrator engages in elaborate deceptions (e.g., the circus plot, hiding her feelings) while also confronting Fanny's hypocrisy and her own vanity, highlighting the gap between appearance and reality in human relations.
The narrator's attempt to pretend to be asleep to surprise her mother leads to tragic consequences, and her father's self-deception about his financial schemes is evident.
The narrator admits to being 'double-minded' and acknowledges her own pride and stubbornness, while also recognizing the self-deception in others' complaints about Providence.
The narrator mocks the Dream Book's predictions yet later reflects on living in 'great state,' hinting at self-deception about her own fortunes.
Evidence in the book
- IV
The narrator's attempt to pretend to be asleep to surprise her mother leads to tragic consequences, and her father's self-deception about his financial schemes is evident.
- V
The narrator admits to being 'double-minded' and acknowledges her own pride and stubbornness, while also recognizing the self-deception in others' complaints about Providence.
- VII
The narrator mocks the Dream Book's predictions yet later reflects on living in 'great state,' hinting at self-deception about her own fortunes.
- The Night Watch and the Return of Fanny
The narrator hides her nightly expeditions from Mrs. Bowater, buries a bloodstained nightgown, and pretends to be bold while feeling exposed and fearful of being 'found out.'
- XI
The narrator grapples with guilt over her secret stargazing and considers confessing, while Fanny's promise not to 'tell' introduces a layer of mutual secrecy.
- XII
Fanny orchestrates the tea invitation under false pretenses, and both she and Miss M. struggle with hidden emotions and the gap between outward behavior and inner truth.
- XIV
The narrator admits to shutting her eyes to Fanny's commonness and cruelty, and reflects on the duplicity of appearances versus inner reality.
- XVI
The narrator realizes her own stupidity in not considering how Fanny left the house, and Mrs. Bowater's silent knowledge underscores layers of concealment.
