When we are first introduced to the Cass Mastern story in chapter four, it seams irrelevant to the the rest of the novel, however it is actually foreshadowing to the story of Jack and Anne, and provides the reader with a clear sight of Jacks ignorance and denial. In chapter four, Jack is incapable of understanding the actions of Cass. He learns from his research that Cass had an affair with Annabelle Trice, the wife of his good friend Duncan Trice. When Duncan found out about their affair, he took off his wedding ring and shot himself. Their slave, Phebe, found his wedding ring and brought it to Annabelle. Annabelle couldn't stand the knowledge that Phebe knew about her actions, so she sold her. Cass was appalled by what measures Annabelle would go to to keep her reputation, and set out to find Phebe to set her free, leaving Annabelle. Jack is unable to understand why Cass would dedicate his life to this, because he does not understand the consequences one must take responsibility for. Jack eventually gave up working on his dissertation on the papers of Cass Mastern because he is so frustrated from not understanding his actions. This story shows Jacks ignorance at this point of the novel, as well as hinting at how Jack might change in the future. Later in the story, in chapter 7, the past of Jack and Anne is finally revealed to us. Its easy to see the resemblance of the relationships of Jack and Anne and Willie to that of Duncan and Annabelle and Cass. For example, Jack felt betrayed by his first love, Anne, and his close work partner and friend, Willie, while Duncan was devastated from his wife and close friend. There are enough parallels in the two stories for the reader to make a connection, however there is still a great difference and some irony between the characters of Jack and Cass. Cass acknowledges the consequences of his actions, (potentially causing the suicide of his close friend), and he then dedicates his life in search for redemption, while Jack runs away from his problems, still not understanding the idea of responsibility. As he is driving to California, Jack thinks, "I had had the notion that I was the one running away and had better run fast. I had thought of that woman having a secret knowledge, and had envied her. I had often envied people...But now, I did not think that I would ever have to envy anybody again, for I was sure that now I had the secret knowledge, and with this knowledge you can face up to anything, for knowledge is power," (437). This quote shows that Jack still thinks that running away and trying to start over is the secret weapon to escaping your past; he has yet to understand to face consequences. The Cass Mastern story has many layers to it's importance; it's a foreshadowing to what we learn later in the book about Jack and Anne, and it provides contrast between the characters to emphasize the ignorance of Jack, and his denial to take responsibility of his actions and emotions.
No comments:
Post a Comment