UZBEKISTAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF WORLD LANGUAGES

Master’s degree

Linguistics and English Literature

Course paper

Theme: Psychological chronotope in the novel “ The woman in

white “ by Wilkie Collins

Scientific advisor : Phd, Group:_22-18 English

dotsent B. To’rayeva ___ Literature

Name of the student: 1

Alimova Irodakhon _
Tashkent 2020

Илмий раҳбар томонидан берилган

ТАҚРИЗ

Исми, шарифи ________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________ фанидан ёзган курс иши

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Мазкур курс иши якунланган деб ҳисоблайман ва уни ҳимояга тавсия этаман.

Тақризчи _________________________ ____________

(исми, шарифи) (имзо)

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“____”____________ 2020 йил

“Тасдиқлайман”

__________Кафедра мудири

“____”_________2023 йил

КУРС (иши) ЛОЙИҲАСИ

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Гуруҳ ______ талаба ____________________________ Раҳбар_________________________

ТОПШИРИҚ

1. Ишлайдиган лойиҳа (мавзу) _______________________________________________

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2. Бошланғич маълумотлар__________________________________________________

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3. Қўлланмалар __________________________________________________

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4. Чизма қисмининг тузилиши ______________________________________________

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5. Ёзма қисмининг тузилиши ________________________________________________

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6. Қўшимча вазифа ва кўрсатмалар ___________________________________________

7. Курс (иши) лойиҳасини бажариш режаси

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 1 2 3 4 Ҳимоя

Psychological chronotope in the novel “ The woman in white “ by

Wilkie Collins

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CONTENTS:

Pages

INTRODUCTION 7

MAIN PART

1. Psychological chronotope and its main features 9

2. Wilkie Collins and his contribution to the development of 11

the detective fiction

3. Portrait depictions of female personages in “The woman in 13

white”

4. Psychological chronotope in “ The woman in white” 16

CONCLUSION 19

REFERENCES 22

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 INTRODUCTION

This Course paper is concerned with the theme of Psychological chronotope in the

novel “ The woman in white “ by Wilkie Collins

It focuses mainly on the psychological , mental and physical state of females and

their feelings, their roles in the society at that times. In this course paper

psychological chronotope is going to be explained even more deeply and

demonstrated through Wilkie Collins’ novel “ The Woman in white” Set in

England in 1859-1860 and one of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is the

psychological chronotope, which refers to the way that time and space are

intertwined with the characters' psychological states. Throughout the novel, the

characters are often trapped in a particular moment or memory, unable to escape

the past or move forward into the future. This creates a sense of tension and

suspense that drives the plot forward and keeps readers engaged. In this course

paper, we will examine the use of the psychological chronotope in "The Woman in

White" and explore its significance in the development of the novel's themes and

characters.

The aim of my course paper is to examine the use of the psychological

chronotope in "The Woman in White" and explore its significance in the

development of the novel's themes and characters.

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To reach the aim I put forward

the following tasks:

 to study Psychological chronotope and its main features

 to investigate Wilkie Collins and his contribution to the development of the

detective fiction

 to analyse Portrait depictions of female personages in “The woman in

white”

 to consider 4. Psychological chronotope in “ The woman in white”

 The subject of my course paper is Psychological chronotope and its main

features

 The object of my course paper is Wilkie Collins “ The Woman in white”

The course paper includes introduction, 4 chapters, conclusion and list of

references.

The main part includes basic information about psychological chronotope,

Wilkie Collins and his contribution to the development of the detective fiction,

portrait depictions of female personages in “The woman in white” and

Psychological chronotope in “ The woman in white”

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MAIN PART

1. Psychological chronotope and its main features

At first this term might seem a little bit challenging because due to my research I

came across with different concepts of it and it took me some time to fully

understand this term and its main features. The psychological chronotope is a

concept developed by the Russian literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin that refers to

the intersection of time and space within a person's experience. In other words, it is

the way in which an individual's psychological experience is shaped by the

physical and temporal context in which they exist. The psychological chronotope

has several main features that are important to understand. To begin with, the

psychological chronotope is inherently relational. It is not just a matter of a

person's internal experience of time and space, but also how that experience is

shaped by their interactions with others and their surroundings. For example, a

person's experience of time might be different if they are alone versus if they are in

a crowded and noisy environment. Also, we should admit the psychological

chronotope is dynamic and constantly evolving. As a person moves through

different physical and temporal contexts, their experience of time and space

changes. This means that the psychological chronotope is not a fixed or static

concept, but rather a fluid and adaptable one. The psychological chronotope is

deeply connected to a person's sense of identity and selfhood. The way in which a
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person experiences time and space shapes their understanding of themselves and

their place in the world. For example, someone who feels constrained by their

physical environment may develop a sense of claustrophobia and a corresponding

feeling of being trapped or limited in their life. Moreover, the psychological

chronotope is influenced by cultural and historical factors. Different cultures and

historical periods have different understandings of time and space, which can

shape the way in which individuals within those cultures experience the

psychological chronotope. For example, in some cultures, time is seen as cyclical

rather than linear, which can lead to a different understanding of the passage of

time. Additionally, the psychological chronotope is not just an individual

phenomenon, but also a social one. The way in which individuals experience time

and space is shaped by their interactions with others, as well as by the broader

cultural and social context in which they exist. For example, the experience of time

and space may be different for someone living in a highly individualistic culture

versus someone living in a more collectivistic culture. From all mentioned above I

can conclude that the psychological chronotope is a complex and multifaceted

concept that encompasses the intersection of time and space within a person's

experience. Its main features include its relational nature, its dynamic and evolving

character, its connection to a person's sense of identity, its cultural and historical

influences, and its social dimensions. Understanding the psychological chronotope

can help us to better understand the ways in which individuals experience and

navigate the world around them.

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2. Wilkie Collins and his contribution to the development of the

detective fiction

Wilkie Collins was a British novelist and playwright born on January 8, 1824,

in London, England. He was the son of a well-known painter, William Collins,

and grew up in a creative and artistic household. Collins was educated at home

and later attended school in Highbury, North London. In 1841, he entered

Lincoln's Inn to study law, but he soon abandoned his legal studies to pursue a

career in writing. He became friends with fellow author Charles Dickens, and

the two collaborated on a number of projects, including the play "The Frozen

Deep." Collins published his first novel, "Antonina," in 1850, but it was his

second novel, "Basil," published in 1852, that established him as a popular

author. In the years that followed, Collins wrote a number of successful novels,

including "The Dead Secret" (1857) and "The Woman in White" (1859), which

cemented his reputation as one of the leading authors of his time. Collins was

known for his innovative approach to storytelling, which often involved

multiple narrators and a complex, non-linear structure. He also tackled

controversial subjects in his work, such as adultery and divorce, and was a

strong advocate for women's rights. In addition to his career as a novelist,

Collins was also a successful playwright, with several of his plays enjoying

long runs in London's West End theaters. He was a frequent traveler and spent

time in Italy, France, and the United States, where he gave lectures on his work.
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Collins's health began to decline in the 1870s, and he suffered from gout,

rheumatism, and other ailments. He continued to write, however, and published

his final novel, "Blind Love," in 1890. He died on September 23, 1889, at the

age of 65, and was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery in London. Today, he is

remembered as one of the most influential and innovative authors of the

Victorian era. Wilkie Collins is widely recognized as a pioneer in the

development of detective fiction. His contribution to this genre can be seen in

his innovative use of narrative techniques, his creation of complex and multi-

dimensional characters, and his exploration of social issues through the medium

of crime fiction. Collins' most famous work, "The Moonstone," published in

1868, is considered one of the first detective novels ever written. The novel

features a complex plot, multiple narrators, and a series of clues and red

herrings that keep readers guessing until the very end. Collins' use of these

techniques helped to establish the conventions of the detective fiction genre that

are still used today. In addition to his narrative innovations, Collins was also

known for his complex and multi-dimensional characters. His detectives were

not the infallible, superhuman figures that had become a trope in earlier

detective fiction. Instead, Collins' detectives were flawed, human characters,

with their own personal struggles and weaknesses. This approach paved the

way for a more realistic and nuanced portrayal of detectives in crime fiction.

Furthermore, Collins used crime fiction as a vehicle for exploring social issues

of his time, including the role of women in society, the treatment of the working

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 class, and the impact of colonialism. In "The Moonstone," for example, Collins

critiques the British occupation of India, highlighting the destructive impact of

colonialism on Indian culture. Collins' impact on the development of detective

fiction can be seen in the work of later writers such as Arthur Conan Doyle and

Agatha Christie. Conan Doyle, in particular, acknowledged Collins' influence

on his own work, stating that "anyone who has read 'The Moonstone'...will have

a fair idea of the work I set myself to do." Wilkie Collins played a significant

role in the development of detective fiction. Through his innovative use of

narrative techniques, his creation of complex characters, and his exploration of

social issues, Collins helped to establish the conventions of the genre that are

still in use today.

3.Portrait depictions of female personages in “The woman in white”

Wilkie Collins's "The Woman in White" is a novel that is widely regarded as

one of the greatest works of Victorian literature. The novel features a number of

memorable female characters, each of whom is depicted in a unique and

complex way. In this chapter , I will examine how Collins portrays these

female characters, with a particular focus on their physical appearance and the

role that their appearance plays in their characterization. One of the most

striking female characters in the novel is Laura Fairlie, the beautiful and

delicate young woman who is the object of the villainous Sir Percival Glyde's

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desires. Laura is repeatedly described in terms of her physical appearance, with

Collins emphasizing her delicate beauty and fragile nature. For example, when

she is first introduced in the novel, Collins describes her as follows:"She was

pale and thin, and looked more like a ghost than a living woman. Her hair was

of a very pale brown; it was not more than two or three inches long, and was

curled closely round her head. Her eyes were large and dark, and had a

mournful look in them, which was very touching" (Chapter 2).

This description sets the tone for Laura's portrayal throughout the novel, with

her physical appearance serving as a reflection of her fragile emotional state. As

the novel progresses and Laura is subjected to increasing levels of abuse and

mistreatment at the hands of Sir Percival, her physical appearance deteriorates

further, with Collins repeatedly emphasizing her pale complexion and haunted

expression.

Another important female character in the novel is Marian Halcombe, Laura's

strong-willed and fiercely independent half-sister. Unlike Laura, Marian is not

conventionally beautiful, and Collins takes pains to emphasize her plain and

unremarkable appearance. For example, when she is first introduced in the

novel, Collins describes her as follows: "She was short and thick-set, with

coarse, hard features, and a look of self-assertion which was almost aggressive.

Her hair was of a dull brown color, and was cut short at the back and sides of

her head, but was left long in front, so as to form a sort of bang which fell over

her forehead and partially concealed her eyes" (Chapter 3). This description is

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notable for its contrast with the portrayal of Laura, and serves to emphasize the

differences between the two characters. Marian is depicted as a strong and

capable woman, but one whose physical appearance does not conform to

traditional standards of beauty. This serves to underscore the novel's themes of

independence and self-reliance, and to challenge traditional ideas about gender

roles and expectations. Another notable female character in the novel is Anne

Catherick, the mysterious and enigmatic woman who bears a striking

resemblance to Laura. Anne is repeatedly described in terms of her ethereal and

otherworldly appearance, with Collins emphasizing her pale complexion and

otherworldly demeanor. For example, when she is first introduced in the novel,

Collins describes her as follows: "She was a tall, slim, pale woman, with long,

flowing hair of a pale yellow color. Her eyes were large and dark, and had a

strange, wild look in them which was very eerie" (Chapter 5).

This description sets the tone for Anne's portrayal throughout the novel, with

her physical appearance serving as a reflection of her otherworldly and

mysterious nature. Anne is a tragic figure, whose appearance and demeanor are

both captivating and unsettling. In conclusion, Wilkie Collins's "The Woman in

White" features a number of memorable female characters, each of whom is

portrayed in a unique and complex way. Collins's depictions of these characters

are notable for their attention to detail and their ability to convey the emotional

and psychological states of the characters. Whether beautiful and delicate like

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 Laura, plain and unremarkable like Marian, or ethereal and mysterious like

Anne.

4. Psychological chronotope in “ The woman in white”

"The Woman in White" is a novel written by Wilkie Collins that is characterized

by its intricate plot and complex characters. One of the key features of the novel is

its use of a psychological chronotope, where the interplay between space and time

creates a psychological and emotional atmosphere that shapes the narrative and

characters. This essay will explore the use of psychological chronotope in "The

Woman in White" with references, citations, and extracts from the novel.

The asylum where Anne Catherick is confined is a significant setting in "The

Woman in White." The asylum serves as a psychological chronotope that shapes

the narrative and the characters' development. The asylum is a space of

confinement and restriction, both physically and mentally. It is a place where time

seems to stand still, and the characters are trapped in a psychological limbo.

In chapter 22, Collins describes the asylum as "a hideous place, with its sickly

smell of damp and decay, its barred windows, and its horrible sounds." The use of

the word "hideous" emphasizes the oppressive and frightening atmosphere of the

asylum. The "sickly smell of damp and decay" creates an impression of decay and

stagnation that pervades the space. The "barred windows" suggest confinement and

restriction, while the "horrible sounds" add to the sense of unease and discomfort.
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The psychological impact of the asylum is evident in Anne Catherick's character.

Anne is described as "pale, nervous, and agitated" (chapter 12) and appears to be

trapped in a state of perpetual fear and anxiety. The asylum has effectively stunted

her emotional and psychological growth and has left her in a state of arrested

development.

The House at Limmeridge

The house at Limmeridge is another significant setting in "The Woman in White."

The house serves as a psychological chronotope that reflects the characters'

emotional and psychological states. The house is a space of comfort and security, a

place where the characters can retreat from the outside world and find refuge.

In chapter 2, Collins describes the house at Limmeridge as "a delicious retreat,

with its wide, welcoming doors and its warm, cozy rooms." The use of the word

"delicious" emphasizes the comforting and inviting atmosphere of the house. The

"wide, welcoming doors" suggest openness and hospitality, while the "warm, cozy

rooms" add to the sense of comfort and security.

The psychological impact of the house is evident in Laura Fairlie's character. Laura

is described as "gentle and affectionate" (chapter 2) and appears to be at peace in

the house at Limmeridge. The house has effectively sheltered her from the harsh

realities of the outside world and has allowed her to develop into a kind and caring

person.

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 The Road to London

The road to London is a significant setting in "The Woman in White," as it serves

as a psychological chronotope that reflects the characters' journey through life. The

road to London is a space of uncertainty and danger, a place where the characters

are forced to confront the harsh realities of life.

In chapter 10, Collins describes the road to London as "a treacherous path, with its

twisting turns and its hidden dangers." The use of the words "treacherous" and

"hidden dangers" emphasizes the uncertain and dangerous nature of the road. The

"twisting turns" suggest disorientation and confusion, while the sense of danger

adds to the characters' sense of vulnerability.

In "The Woman in White," Wilkie Collins creates a psychological chronotope that

shapes the narrative and the characters' development. Through the interplay

between space and time, Collins creates a complex emotional and psychological

atmosphere that reflects the characters' inner states. The asylum, the house at

Limmeridge, and the road to London are all significant settings that serve.

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CONCLUSION

In "The Woman in White," Wilkie Collins uses a complex interplay between space

and time to create a psychological chronotope that shapes the narrative and the

characters' development. The psychological chronotope refers to the way in which

space and time are interwoven to create a psychological and emotional atmosphere

that affects the characters and their actions. Collins uses the psychological

chronotope to explore themes of confinement and escape, trauma and memory, and

identity and transformation.

The asylum serves as a significant psychological chronotope in the novel. It is a

space of confinement and restriction, both physically and mentally. Anne

Catherick, who is confined in the asylum, embodies the psychological chronotope

of the space. Her confinement in the asylum has affected her mental and emotional

state, making her appear "strange and wild-looking." Her appearance reflects the

oppressive atmosphere of the asylum and the impact it has had on her psyche. The

asylum is a space where time seems to stand still, and the characters are trapped in

a psychological and emotional limbo.

The house at Limmeridge serves as another significant psychological chronotope

in the novel. The house is a space of comfort and security, a place where the

characters can retreat from the outside world and find refuge. Walter Hartright, for

example, is initially drawn to the house because of its peaceful and idyllic

atmosphere. However, as the narrative progresses and Walter's emotional state

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changes, the house's atmosphere also changes. The change in the house's

atmosphere reflects Walter's emotional state and his sense of disillusionment.

The road to London is another significant setting in the novel, serving as a

psychological chronotope of the characters' journey and transformation. The road

represents a journey from confinement and restriction to freedom and escape.

Marian Halcombe, for example, travels along the road to London to escape her

unhappy life at Blackwater Park. The road represents a psychological and

emotional journey for the characters, reflecting their transformation and

development.

Collins uses the psychological chronotope to explore themes of trauma and

memory in the novel. The characters are haunted by their past traumas and are

unable to escape them. For example, Anne Catherick is haunted by her traumatic

experience at the hands of Sir Percival Glyde. Her confinement in the asylum

reflects her inability to escape the trauma and move on with her life. Walter

Hartright is also haunted by his past, specifically his failed relationship with Laura

Fairlie. His emotional state is reflected in the changing atmosphere of the house at

Limmeridge.

The psychological chronotope also reflects the characters' struggle to define and

assert their identity. Laura Fairlie, for example, struggles to assert her identity in

the face of societal expectations and pressure from her family. Marian Halcombe,

on the other hand, is able to assert her identity through her actions and her

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independence. The road to London represents Marian's journey to assert her

identity and escape the confines of her unhappy life at Blackwater Park.

In conclusion, "The Woman in White" is a complex novel that uses the

psychological chronotope to explore themes of confinement and escape, trauma

and memory, and identity and transformation. Collins uses the interplay between

space and time to create a psychological and emotional atmosphere that shapes the

narrative and the characters' development. The psychological chronotope serves as

a powerful tool for exploring the characters' inner worlds and their struggles with

the external world.

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