-> In Ethel Wilson’s book, “The Innocent Traveller”, one of the most heart-warming and perplexing relationships is that of Topaz Edgeworth and her niece Rachel. From her entrance to her exit in the novel, Rachel plays the role of mother and care-taker to the elderly and wild Topaz.
-> She first steps into the story after the death of Topaz’s step-mother, who, up to this point, was the one that looked after Topaz. Topaz is invited to join Rachel and Annie, Topaz’s sister and Rachel’s mother, on their journey to Vancouver. This is the first sign of Rachel’s relationship to her aunt for, when Topaz accepts, Rachel “slid by nature ... into the Stepmother’s place.” (Wilson 82) Rachel is, by nature, maternal and caring, which suits the role she must now play in taking care of the child-like Topaz.
-> Throughout her life, Rachel continues in this new role of “wife and mother of her household.” (Wilson 143) Rachel even thinks of herself as “the good bread upon the table, as the steadfast light upon the stair.” (Wilson 143) This is the perfect description of her. She is the one who runs the household, keeps it going smoothly, and is the reliable one upon whom everyone could trust. Rachel even enjoys her life, never regretting what she gave up in order to be there. This is shown when she thinks to herself one night, “‘Only this life that I lead is tolerable to me. I could not endure to be other than I am.’” (Wilson 161) Rachel is happy, not only with her life, but also in her role as a mother of sorts to her own mother and aunt.
-> Even once her mother is dead, Rachel continues to look after and care for Topaz. Even after Annie’s death and the reduction of Rachel’s burden, it is still “upon Rachel that the brunt of arrangements fell.” (Wilson 192) When Rachel dies not much after her mother, Topaz feels abandoned. She feels that “Rachel had left her” (Wilson 193)
-> The sad ending to this part of the story is that the memory of Rachel and all she did for her aunt does not last long for Topaz. Even though she “spoke often of Rachel” (Wilson 201) after her death, “as time went on ... [Topaz’s] memory reverted and reverted until she spoke very seldom of Rachel,” (Wilson 201) Rachel dedicated her life to Topaz, who can barely remember her beloved niece once she’s dead.
- by Brianne Coffey
1 comment:
I agree with your comments on Rachel, and also found it quite upsetting that Topaz did appear to almost forget about Rachel after time let her heal. Rachel was the charcter in the story that I felt sorry for. I kind of get the impression from your blog that you would agree. Although the story does say she was happy, I am not so sure. I think that she was content, not happy. Knowing the difference between these two is something that is unknown to many. One thing that bothered me about the story was all the unknowns about Rachel's life. When the grandmother dies and Topaz hears her last words about a love in Rachel life, it bothered me that nothing ever came of it. I wanted to know more, to know the tragic love story of Rachel. I think that would have helped one understand the character better.
completed by: Brianne Grainger
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