The Moving Finger by Edith Wharton

In The Moving Finger by Edith Wharton we have the theme of control, loneliness, conflict, obsession, isolation,
connection, dependency and letting go. Narrated in the first person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after
reading the story that Wharton may be exploring the theme of control. There is a sense that Ralph was controlled by
his first wife and that his life was unhappy. Also despite the second Mrs Grancy being dead. Ralph still wants to
control her. Something that is evident by the fact that he asks Claydon to repaint the portrait of Mrs Grancy so that
she may look older. Just as Ralph has gotten older. Though Ralph has tried to do everything to move on with his life.
Even going as far as taking a job in Europe. He has not being able to escape from his past. He is forever drawn to Mrs
Grancy. Which may leave some readers to suggest that Ralph is unable to move on with his life. He has never
remarried and since Mrs Grancy’s death there is a sense that Ralph has lived a lonely life. Something that Wharton
may be highlighting by way of the setting of the story. Ralph when he returns from Europe does not leave his home
or a least there is no mention by the narrator of Ralph ever leaving his home.

Though it is not directly implied by the narrator there is also a sense that Mrs Grancy and Claydon may have had an
affair. Just as Ralph loved Mrs Grancy so too did Claydon. It is perhaps for this reason that Claydon restored the
portrait to what it originally was. Just as Ralph is unable to let go of Mrs Grancy so too is Claydon. By restoring the
picture to what it originally was Claydon wishes to remember Mrs Grancy as she was when he fell in love with her. If
anything both Ralph and Claydon are obsessed with Mrs Grancy. With the possibility that Claydon may actually have
been jealous of Ralph’s relationship with his wife. It is as though there is the undercurrent of a conflict between
Ralph and Claydon. Though Ralph would possibly be unaware of this. It is also possible that Wharton is exploring the
theme of isolation. Ralph felt not only trapped but isolated in his first marriage. While it is possible that Mrs Grancy
too felt trapped and subsequently isolated when it came to her love for both Ralph and Claydon.

There is also some symbolism in the story which may be important. Not only does the portrait of Mrs Grancy
symbolize love for both Ralph and Claydon but it also symbolizes man’s obsession with women and how men like to
control women (even in death). The fact that Ralph has married twice may also have some symbolic significance as
Wharton could be using the fact that Ralph married twice to highlight Ralph’s need to feel connected to another
person. Though his marriage to his first wife was unhappy. Ralph never divorced or left his wife. Similarly with the
second Mrs Grancy there is a sense that Ralph needed her to bring joy to his life. If anything Ralph needed to feel
connected with the second Mrs Grancy. Something that is also evident in her death. Which may leave some critics to
suggest that Ralph is dependent on both his wives. Similarly there is a sense that Claydon too is dependent on Mrs
Grancy in order to be happy. Which is ironic considering that women were viewed upon as being dependent on men
at the time the story was written.

The end of the story is also interesting as the reader gets a sense into just how deeply in love with Mrs Grancy
Claydon is. Though some critics might suggest that Claydon is self-absorbed. Thinking only of himself and not of
others (like Ralph and Mrs Grancy). However one thing is certain and that is that Claydon is viewing Mrs Grancy as an
object. Which may be the point that Wharton is making. She may be suggesting that at the time the story was
written men objectified women rather than treating them as equals. For Claydon he has an image (or portrait) of Mrs
Grancy which is not real. If anything Claydon has created a fantasy for himself. Though for him the fantasy is very
real. He has what he wants. Complete control and possession over Mrs Grancy. Just as men in general had control
and possession over women at the time the story was written. Claydon might also think that he has won his rivalry
with Ralph however the reality might be very different. All that Claydon is left with is a portrait of Mrs Grancy and a
memory of a time they spent together. He has not really won anything. Though his fantasy may be real to him. It still
is only a fantasy.

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See also https://prezi.com/rhmnrcdvfylr/the-moving-finger-analysis/

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The story revolves around Mr Ralph Grancy and his wives, mostly his second wife who lives even after her death and
is talked about till the end of the story. The names of the wives are not mentioned, both are referred to as Mrs
Grancy. The story begins with the death of the first Mrs Grancy which is big shock. She was all over Mr Grancy and
very disapproving the ways of Ralph. Ralph has a group of followers, one of whom was the narrator of the story. This
band of followers was fascinated how Ralph Grancy met his life full of obstacles. “We had watched him pitted
against one stupid obstacle after another — ill-health, poverty, misunderstanding and, worst of all for a man of his
texture, his first wife’s soft insidious egotism.”

So the death of his wife was a big blow to Ralph but as always he rose from his misfortune by marrying again. All his
friends were surprised at this decision. “After one such calcining most men would have kept out of the fire; but we
agreed that he was predestined to sentimental blunders, and we awaited with resignation the embodiment of his
latest mistake.” But all were mistaken as Mrs Grancy was one of the finest woman both in looks and in character. A
life like painting of her is done by his friend Claydon. But she too dies soon. Mr Grancy is broken but picks again and
goes out of the country on work. He comes back as a man who is looks older than he actually was. When he reaches
home he realises his wife looks very young and get his friend Clayon to modify the portrait of his wife to suit his
looks. Claydon does it with utter despair. While she was alive Claydon falls in love with Mrs Grancy for she is the
cause of his best painting ever.

All the while Ralph carries his wife with him in his heart but behaves as if she continues to live with him. He grows
sick but escapes immediate death but eventually dies much to the surprise of his doctors. Claydon had come the
second time at the request of Mr Grancy and redid the portrait to send out a message that she was dying and he
would die soon. In a way Claydon played on the sentiments of Mr Grancy and killed him. Mr Grancy leaves the
painting to Claydon who brings back the painting to its original look. He tells his side of the story to the narrator and
puts an end to all speculations by saying “But now she belongs to me.”

Characterizations

Mrs Grancy : She is a proud woman who is harsh and controlling her husband all the time.

The second Mrs Grancy: She is beautiful belying her age. She is innocent and charming too. However she falls in love
with Claydon.

Mr Grancy : He loves both his wives. He is one who faces all troubles with a brave heart and bounces back to life. He
is completely consumed by the beauty and love of his second wife that he continues to live with her in his mind even
after her death. The painting is also another character which makes the story what it is.

Claydon: Claydon is painter friend of Mr Grancy. He was true about his friendship till he meets the second Mrs
Grancy and falls in love with her. From then on he becomes deceitful. He does whatever is required of him by Mr
Grancy. In his second alteration to the portrait he sends a strong suggestion that she is dead and Mr Grancy would
die soon. His motive was to get his painting and make Mrs Grancy his, even though it was it was in death.