The Theme of Power and Control in The Woman in White: How Collins Depicts Manipulation and Domination in Relationships

In The Woman in White, Wilkie Collins explores the theme of power and control, particularly within the relationships between men and women. Throughout the novel, the male characters—Sir Percival Glyde and Count Fosco—use manipulation, coercion, and deceit to control the female characters, namely Laura Fairlie and Anne Catherick. The ways in which these men exert power over women reflect broader themes of societal control, class, and gender inequality in Victorian England.

Sir Percival Glyde, the villainous husband of Laura Fairlie, uses his wealth, social status, and legal power to manipulate Laura’s life, forcing her into a marriage for his financial gain. Glyde’s attempt to control Laura extends beyond their marriage, as he seeks to isolate her from any influence that might threaten his control. His plotting includes securing a fraudulent will and orchestrating a scheme to lock Laura away in a mental asylum, all of which are methods to ensure his complete domination over her future.

Count Fosco, another primary antagonist, represents a more psychological form of control. While seemingly charming and affable, Fosco uses his intellectual prowess and manipulative tactics to control both Sir Percival Glyde and the other characters. His calm demeanor hides his deeply sinister nature, and he exerts influence over others with an unsettling mixture of charisma, intimidation, and emotional blackmail. Fosco’s control is psychological, as he subtly manipulates those around him into doing his bidding without ever raising his voice or openly showing aggression.

Through these two characters, Collins critiques the social and familial power structures that allowed men to dominate women’s lives with little resistance. The women in the novel—Laura, Marian, and Anne—are forced to fight against overwhelming male control. Collins uses these power dynamics to comment on the Victorian class system, where the power of the wealthy and male-dominated elite often went unchecked.

In conclusion, The Woman in White presents a dark portrayal of power and control, illustrating how manipulation, deceit, and societal structures allow men to dominate women. Through characters like Sir Percival Glyde and Count Fosco, Collins exposes the hidden forces of manipulation that shape relationships and the lives of women in a patriarchal society.