Disguise
“The metamorphosis was wonderful, but the disguise was more in the expression she assumed than in any art of costume or false adornment. Now she was alone and her mobile features settled into their natural expression, weary, hard, bitter. She had been lovely once, happy, innocent, and tender; but nothing of all this remained to the gloomy woman who leaned there brooding over some wrong, or loss, or disappointment which had darkened all her life”.
Disguise is a key element when it comes to imagery in the book. Jean is a former actress trained in the art of wearing disguises. By means of one, she assumes the identity of a governess; younger in age, milder and docile in manners, beautiful in countenance. All these components are drawn to the attention of the reader by means of the visual imagery underlined in this passage. The use of these specific terms appeals to imagination, and compels the reader to conceive a mental picture of the governess unveiling her true nature. The act itself is compared to a metamorphosis as she slips out of her disguise assuming her natural expression described as weary, hard, and bitter. The imagery is so clear that the reader can almost behold the scene itself through these lines.
Power
At the beginning of the story, Jean had no power. Due to her gender, birth, class, and profession, the societal norms of the time perceived her as a helpless and utterly powerless creature. Being the smart and cunning woman she was, however, Jean used all these impediments to turn the tables and bend the strong to her will. By assuming a mask of meekness and docility, she made the men of the house exult in the sense that she needed them for protection. Thus, each and every one of them felt powerfully strong in protecting the weak governess. In truth, however, this was a mere ruse used by Jean to enslave the strong to her power. The following passage contains visual and auditory imagery which conveys to the reader the true nature of Jean’s power and superiority over the Coventry men.
“…but at the look, the tone of the governess, he experienced a new sensation, indefinable, yet strong. He colored and, for the first time in his life, looked abashed. Lucia saw it, and hated Miss Muir with a sudden hatred; for in all the years she had passed with her cousin, no look or word of hers had possessed such power.”
Nature
The use of imagery often incorporates the use of metaphors and similes as well. In the novella, the imagery of nature is repeatedly coupled with metaphors with the design of communicating the characters’ personalities, temperament, and mood. Gerald Coventry, for instance, describes himself as an "iceberg" which symbolizes his coldness. Similarly, Jean Muir's presence in the Coventry household is compared to a "storm" which foreshadows and indicates the disturbance and disorder she causes to the whole family.
Age
Age is one of the key elements in the plot. Jean assumes the identity of a governess more than a decade younger than she really is. This detail emphasizes the rigid norms of society back then, and reflects the difficulties which met women during that period. Jean, for one, was under the obligation of falsifying her real age because at thirty, she was in no favorable position to attract a potential husband. Therefore, she opted for a disguise to appear younger. The following passage contains visual imagery which indicates how Jean’s assumed identity and “young age” had made all the difference and created the wanted effect on her employers,
“She said quietly, ‘I wish I was thirty, but, as I am not, I do my best to seem and look old’. Of course, everyone looked at her then, and all felt a touch of pity at the sight of the pale-faced girl in her plain black dress, with no ornament but a little silver cross at her throat. Small, thin, colorless she was, with yellow hair, gray eyes and sharply cut, irregular, but very expressive features.”
Art
Art is at the heart of the plot. Jean Muir would have never reached her goal were she any less skilled or artistic. She began her career in the Coventry household with a performance of art including music and acting. She played capitally to the delight of her audience and then fainted in order to endear herself to them. Gerald, for instance, was the least responsive to her charms, and yet, he was won to her side by dint of her singing skills which made him always desirous of more. The imagery in the following passage indicates how did Jean’s artistic attributes act on Gerald,
“It was a rich, sweet voice, singing a brilliant Italian air, and singing it with an expression that made the music doubly delicious. Stepping out of the French window, Coventry strolled along the sunny terrace, enjoying the song with the relish of a connoisseur. Others followed, and still he walked and listened, forgetful of weariness or tune. As one exquisite air ended, he involuntarily applauded.”
