Thi story go over all the world. The main places that the novel mentioned were:
For starters, the story began in Seringatapam a village in India where the moonstone was stolen. This place was an ancient and traditional space where a religious palace was situated. It is described as a magic place. In that place is where John wrote to his family telling his story and since that moment the priest’s revenge is ensured.
However, the place where the Verinder’s live is in the county of Yorkshire. This place is where everything which was related to the mystery occurred. It seems to be calm and to be surrounded by forests. Near the Verinder’s mansion was Shivering sand, a dangerous place where took place Rosanna’s death and where is found a clue to discover the moonstone mystery. It was known by the quicksand, which can kill you.
Finally, the last place which is mentioned was London. The capital of UK is mentioned because it was where Godfrey was hiding the moonstone and his secret. It was described as a busy and dynamic city where everything related with money occurred there. It was also the place where Godfrey died and the moonstone was stolen from him.
The second point is the time period which is 42 years. In these years there are a few dates which are important to the narrative of the story.
For starters, the date when John Herncastle stole the moonstone was in 1799. After this date, we keep on in the 24th of may in 1848, Rachel’s birthday and nearly 50 years later. The 9th of October, the wished wedding of Rachel and Franklin took place after all the obstacles that they had to suffer. Finally, in 1850 they told us the latest news about the moonstone and its destiny.
Another important aspect to mention is the epoch. The period in which this novel is situated is the Victorian time. This was an epoch of splendour and new developments which increase the economy, industries, colonies empire… The name of this epoch comes from the name of the queen: Victoria who reigned for 64 years. Her reign is divided in three periods. The first period described the queen’s settlement and the acceptance of the population facing the new queen. The second period was characterised by the stability and the new developments in industries. The third period solved two of the most important problems in her reign: Independence of Ireland and independence of English colonies. At the same time, it was developing a labourer and trade union movement.
The politics of this period consisted in two parties which took turns to govern the country. This two parties were the liberals (tories) and conservatives (whigs). The monarchy was parliamentary thus the queen was helped by great ministers as Disraeli, Gladstone and Palmerson.
The period in which this novel talks about is the s. XIX. Focusing in rich people as Rachel and Franklin who belonged to the high burgees this epoch is characterised by social rules everywhere. Despite, this time is when the suffragist movement occurs, the women attitude is very conservative. It was normal that women with 16 years old got married with an old man just because their families wanted to increase their patrimony. The aim of these women was find the best candidate with the best heir and the more quantity of money. It was not about love what they were looking for otherwise convenience. On the other hand, men looked for the most beautiful women who irradiates more youth, innocence and beauty. In this novel, the case is different due to Rachel’s personality. She was a woman that she has a great quantity of money, furthermore, she was determined and in love with Franklin.
However, most population was affected by the industries movements. Most families had to work there with no labourer rules and under terrible conditions. This also affected to the craftsmen who lose their works as the industry increases.
THE MOONSTONE by Wilkie Collins 