Introduction:
English literary scripts and writings are rich in thrilling fiction that depict high-level creativity revolving around suspense and terror. A lot of these literary texts had impeccable impressions on the dynamics of society and secured their life-lasting space for decades and even centuries. One such novel is “A Mystery of the Campagna” by Anne Crawford which provides multiple dimensions of individual behaviour, societal reaction, and amalgamation of social and cultural perspectives in alliance with marvellous literary insights. It is considered as master literary work that provides a vivid description of Italian society and culture with a narrative of investigation viewpoint (Crawford). In addition, the novel presents an intriguing and comprehensive literary sense which explores social norms, and personal preferences in terms of relationships and the crime World. The novel takes the reader to the complexities of Italian society, especially the countryside culture where an English woman tries to investigate a murder scene to reach the final solution. Such an exploration does not touch only surface-based observations, but the writer also demonstrates various aspects beneath the surface to draw the real picture. The novel meaningfully divides its story plot into two main parts which are separate to each other but at the same time beautifully interconnected as well. In other words, the novel is a masterpiece of literary artistic work with multiple thematic plots and views in alliance with the carved numerous literary devices (Spencer). However, this critical research essay will explore the detailed analysis of “A Mystery of the Campagna” by Anne Crawford as a masterpiece literary work having an emphasis on the portrayal of the story with roles of characters, investigative suspense, diversified themes of identity and obsession, usage of multiple literary devices, comparison with other works of same genre and period, multi-dimensional criticism with counter-arguments and respective responses.
Analysis of the Novel’s Plot and Characters:
The plot of the novel is so constructed that it engages the reader to the end. Crawford beautifully woven unease, tension, misdirection, and fear factor that ultimately led to suspense throughout the story. The climax of the novel is very justified where all the pieces of the story puzzles come together and eventually, the story moves towards an end. It is a unique piece of writing that comprises very few characters and their respective roles are very potent and enigmatic. The suspenseful novel takes the reader to Mary, a struggling woman for search of her place in the World. She moves to Italy to satisfy her quest for identity where she discloses about the death of her father. She inherits a mysterious place i.e., a villa in the Campagna where she reveals the past of her father (Karpathakis). The brevity of the story and a limited number of characters do not diminish the complexity and diversified scope of the novel. The well-developed character portrayal in the story with justified intelligentsia of Mary, revengeful antagonistic of Count and mentorship of Father Giuseppe to Mary make this novel a masterpiece.
Exploration of Themes in “A Mystery of the Campagna”:
As far as the themes are concerned, Crawford investigates very complex themes and motifs in “A Mystery of the Campagna” through a skillfully constructed plot in alliance with careful characterization. These themes can be navigated as identity and obsession with motifs of the Italian countryside. She explores the themes in shaping and devising characters’ actions like the protagonist’s experiences with Mary Grey, and Count di Simone’s experiences of the antagonist. Throughout the novel, Mary struggles for her personal and social world. She is stuck in the twilight of society’s expectations and her desire for freedom. Resultantly, she inquires about her identity in the world and departs for Italy. Marry has to face questions about beliefs and values during interaction with Count and associates which finally compels her to relinquish society’s expectations. At the climax of the novel, she decides to explore her identity (Spencer).
Similarly, another thought-provoking antagonist theme of obsession revolves around the character of Count di Simone who is revengeful. He believes that Mary’s father is responsible for the death of his wife and son. Count has suspicions that he is hiding in Campagna and Count is blind of revenge. He wishes to achieve his revenge goals even on the cost of hurting innocent people around him (Wood). It is pertinent to mention that Crawford’s masterful work uses Count’s obsession for Mary’s personal growth. This obsession in the form of warning serves the purpose of confronting with values and personal desire of Mary for her.
Similarly, the amalgamated sense of beauty and horror are depicted through place i.e., the motif of Italian countryside. The landscape and Campagna in the countryside serve the purpose of beauty and darkness which symbolizes danger beneath the surface (Karpathakis). These also explore the emotional compelling of the characters to provoke identity and revenge simultaneously.
Literary Devices Used in “A Mystery of the Campagna”:
Other than exploring the complex themes, Anne Crawford’s “A Mystery of the Campagna” is a wonderful piece of literary devices. It looks the author has woven literary devices in the novel like flowers in a garland which ultimately add a meaningful depth to the novel’s story. The most catching literary device to incorporate thrill and horror elements in the novel is foreshadowing (Blouin). These lead the reader to darker elements coming in next scenes and mentally prepare him for broader picture of the novel. For example, the author depicts very strange and weird behavior of villagers with threatening tone. Such beginning hits prepare the reader for danger and mysterious situations. Similarly, she creates suspense when she warns Mary Grey not to go near Count di Simone’s villa. Consequently, Mary faces the danger as the novel progresses.
Moreover, Crawford employed meaningful symbolism in the novel in a symmetrical pattern. For example, the symbolism of Campagna is depicted as the place of beauty and tranquility which fetch haunt and danger qualities. Meanwhile, the white flowers and red poppies are symbols of peace and danger respectively. In addition, she used pacing as literary device to create suspense and accelerate tension. She deliberately controlled the speed of scenes in the plot to leave the reader on edge of suspense. For example, the first meeting of Mary with Count is slow placed while revelation of Count’s final identity is fast paced.
Furthermore, Crawford used literary devices like imagery, irony and dialogue to depict the visual landscape of novel in alliance with creation of tension and depiction of suspense in the novel that make it unforgettable piece of writing (Blouin).
Comparison to Other Works of Same Genre & Period:
“A Mystery of the Campagna” is a unique fiction work of suspense that vividly amalgamates multiple elements which thoroughly engage the reader. Mystery, travelogue, romance, horror and thrill are the primary elements in this regard. It stands distinct while comparing this writing with other texts of same genre, same period and even author’s other literary works. The novel resembles with other literature works of same genre as “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie and “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier (MacGowan). But “A Mystery of the Campagna” is unique in the way that it explores strong female protagonist who identifies her own place irrespective of society’s hindrances. A female’s self-discovery, desire for inner life, identity, hopes and fearless adventure stand this novel unique among the works of the same genre (Punter).
Moreover, the comparison with works of the other authors of same time period demonstrates that similarities may occur but “A Mystery of the Campagna” remains a compelling literary work due to detailed settings along with unique character cast. The detective literature was at its peak where Christie and Ellery Queen earned high fame in creating suspense, detective and intricate puzzle writings. Other than such similarities, Crawford’s novel avoids traditional figures and explores more psychological probe and assessment of the characters. Other authors like Shirley Jackson and Patricia Highsmith also explored the same psycho-social aspects but did not touch the uniqueness of “A Mystery of the Campagna”. Additionally, Crawford’s several other works like “The Witching Night” and “The Darker Drink,” are marvelous. But the amalgamation of brevity and complexity that “A Mystery of the Campagna” has, is not in any of her other penned manuscripts.
Scholarly Criticism with Social, Political & Historical Perspectives:
Numerous critical analyses on “A Mystery of the Campagna” are presented by scholars and writers over years. Such criticism revolves around the literary merits, cultural significance, historical exploration, and social perspectives. In addition, the Gothic elements carved in the novel range from gender to identity, mystery to suspense and readers’ resonance to critical reception make it masterpiece of literature (Moriarty). Literary critics demonstrated their viewpoints about this novel encompassing various dimensions. For example, David Cooper identified that Gothic traditions are embedded in the novel with brevity as an integral part. The remote monasteries, terror of villas and supernatural imaginations are vivid pieces of evidence. Similarly, Mariaconcetta Costantini pointed out gender role by stating that Crawford’s portrayal of Mary shows author’s learning from feminist perspective.
Furthermore, some critics pointed out historical aspects concerning Crawford’s novel. Silvia Valisa notes that social and political tensions at the time of publishing of this novel are well depicted. Valisa argues Italian countryside as a reflection of nostalgia in “The Italian South: Gender, Region, and Identity in Anne Crawford’s A Mystery of the Campagna,” as socio-cultural perspectives were undergoing change in Italian society. Another well-known critic, Victoria Amador, argues that Crawford’s reflects insightful affection for Italian culture and norms in alliance with social adventure.
Counter-Arguments & Alternative Responses:
Counter-arguments in alliance with alternate perspectives are life-line of any literary critical analysis. In this context, some potential counter arguments may be considered with proper rebuttals that highlight the uniqueness of “A Mystery of the Campagna”. The primary counter argument lies on genre traditions and lacking originality. Apparently, it looks true about the elements of Gothic tradition incorporated in novel but skillfully language usage, elevated imagery, and complex themes demonstrate Crawford’s ability to confine originality and uniqueness. Another counter argument may come up about the non-realized and passive character of Mary. Hence, this character depicts such reflections intentionally to highlight the societal barriers in the personal development of women community.
Furthermore, another counter-argument may object the ending of novel by claiming it formulaic with too neatness. It looks true that resolution of novel is somewhat predictable but usage of symbolism and foreshadowing throughout the novel provide catharsis closure to the reader. Moreover, the comprehensive rebuttals to these counter arguments make this novel as upright literary masterpiece. In this context, engaging the reader, thematic exploration, skillful language, Gothic tradition and predictability throughput novel nullify these counter arguments as a whole.
Conclusion:
From the above discussion it can be concluded that “A Mystery of the Campagna” by Crawford is a masterpiece of suspense fiction that depicts author’s high skills as a writer. The plot of the novel presents a diversified intrigue with portrayal of Italian countryside in alliance with limited characters. Primarily, the novel revolves around the themes of identity and obsession associated with main characters. It demonstrates usage of multiple literary devices in alliance with symbolism and Gothic elements to create suspense, tension, and complexity in the story. In addition, the comparison of this literary writing with other works of same genre, time period and Crawford’ other works certify its uniqueness while exploring the social, cultural and psychological perspectives of characters. Meanwhile, criticism from several critics highlights its strengths regarding the incorporation of Gothic elements, cultural demonstration, and political situation in Italy. In addition, the story of novel itself provides rebuttals to raised counter-arguments. Hence, “A Mystery of the Campagna” by Crawford is unique literary work that places lasting impressions on multiple dimensions of society.
Work Cited
Blouin, M. J. (2013). Japonisme and the Female Gothic. In Japan and the Cosmopolitan Gothic: Specters of Modernity (pp. 65-83). New York: Palgrave Macmillan US.
Crawford, Anne. A Mystery of the Campagna. London, UK: Hodder & Stoughton, 1924.
Karpathakis, Maria. “The Gothic Novel and the Italian Landscape in Anne Crawford’s A Mystery of the Campagna.” Gothic Studies, vol. 21, no. 1, May 2019, pp. 61-77.
MacGowan-Gilhooly, Adele. “Fluency first: Reversing the traditional ESL sequence.” Journal of Basic Writing (1991): 73-87.
Moriarty, James. “Dracula’s Guest: A Connoisseur’s Collection of Victorian Vampire Stories.” Irish Gothic Journal 10 (2011): 75.
Punter, David. The Literature of Terror: A History of Gothic Fictions from 1765 to the Present Day. London, UK: Longman, 1980.
Spencer, Robert L. “Landscape, Race, and Identity in Anne Crawford’s A Mystery of the Campagna.” Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 64, no. 1, Spring 2018, pp. 81-103.
Wood, Grace. “Fang de Siècle: The Literary Vampire’s Destruction of Western Patriarchy.” (2020).
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