2. As the letters between Christabel and Ash become more
intimate, the theme of religion becomes more prominent, as
Ash begins to reveal his questioning views on
religion, hesitant in his words in case Christabel is upset by
them.
Within the letters the extensive use of hyphens demonstrates
the passion Ash harbours on the subject of religion and
science “-he made us questioning-”, this suggests he does not
simply accept the teachings of his religion but regards the
curiosity he feels as a natural intuition placed within humanity
by God, unlike other views forming at the time due to the
progression of science which contradicted the churches
teachings.
4. Language Him, I turn my face To the bare wall, and leave this wor
“That, trusting her and
For the No-thing she shewed me”
By using the word „Him‟ I believe it‟s referring to God and „her‟ being Christabel
because he mentions within their letters that in a way she‟s the only one who he is
close enough with to trust
The word „bare‟ suggests uncertainty, by using this word Byatt suggests that the
persona is choosing a path that is risky and undetermined
“No-thing” presents the idea that religion is something which has no proof and no
evidence that exists but requires pure trust, it also by using the word “things” it
suggests material objects which is what science consists of and so it shows that
Ash is leaving behind facts and certainty – Science for something which is different
“I sought to know the Religion of life I thought it lawful knowledge. Did not God
and undetermined – origins with Christabel
my hands and eyes, lend me the skill”
• „Origins of life‟ suggests a possible to link to Charles Darwin‟s „Origin of Species‟ a sc
based on evolution
• Suggests that Religion and Science can go along side each other and how you can‟t
without the other as the persona is given the skills from god to which will help him
• By using the word “lend” connects to a theory in Ben Jonson‟s „On my first Sonne‟ of
Catholic being lent something for a short time until death when it shall be returned le
about science
