Good old Mother Nature plays a huge role in The Woman in Black. The crazy, murderous kind of mother, like Jennet. He may come from London, where everything is man-made and contained, but out in the countryside Arthur's on his own and left to the power of the elements. The bleak, powerful, indifferent elements. This might even be scarier than the ghost.
Questions About Man and the Natural World
- In what ways does nature overpower man in The Woman in Black?
- What's more impressive and oppressive: Eel Marsh House or the surrounding areas?
- What is the difference between the kind of nature that surrounds Monk's Piece and the kind that surrounds Crythin Gifford?
- Is Arthur at peace with nature, or does he fear it?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Despite all the modern technological advances in the story, such as the steam train and the telephone, the power and complexity of nature eventually wins out.
Nature dictates Arthur's entire trip at Eel Marsh House, even cutting him off from human society against his will.