Ellen Cavanaugh explains that the relationship between the twins is so strong because “they shared one womb and formed an inextricable bond which persists during their stay in Cloisterham, and reveals itself through their ability to communicate telepathically. Although Neville and Helena are two distinct characters, their minds are so interdependent that it seems as if they are really one (Cavanaugh 1).” Abandoned by Mr. Honeythunder Neville and Helena want to escape Cloisterham but they change their mind when they learn that their new guardian is Mr. Crisparkle whom they are fond of. When Neville informs the reverend of their decision to stay in town he speaks for both, himself and his sister. Mr. Crisparkle finds that strange because he knows that Neville didn’t have time to discuss the matter with his sister. The bond between them is so strong that they can share thoughts and communicate telepathically. Not only can they transfer thoughts one to another with their eyes only but they can also speak as one person. The fact that Neville speaks in Helen’s name is …show more content…
But this constant mirror each twin has can be as much positive as it can be negative. Neville and Helena are very close and they help each other continuously, but only when they are separated can they develop their personal identity and thrive as a person. Dickens was very fond of the theme of duality and we have seen it by now employed in different ways. But in the case of Neville and Helena the duality is explored from the point of an inferior and subdued oriental subject of the British Crown, who, when arrived in England, is automatically treated as a secondary human being whose every weakness is regarded as a consequence of it being