Explore the concept of appearances VS reality as well as deeper hidden meanings under surface level reading in the novel Howls Moving Castle.
Howls Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones is a powerful, influential, touching novel that has captured the hearts of many with its endearing messages and themes. The novel follows Sophie Hatter: the heroine and her journey in identity, love and fate. With the strategic use of literary conventions and devices such as characterisation, Foreshadowing and Symbolism she was able to expertly explore the concept of appearances VS reality and the deeper meanings hidden throughout the novel.
The employment of Characterisation by Jones' was a sure-fire way of making sure the audience would be able to see the
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Intrication is found in various sections throughout the novel for example at the beginning of the novel when Sophie describes her life in the "past months of sitting and sewing had turned her into an old woman or a semi-invalid”. This quotation heavily hints at the eventual transformation of Sophie as well as implying that at heart Sophie is an old lady and her current situation is a precursor to her eventual state. The utility of Foreshadowing is able to engage the reader to wonder about the future of the characters and furthermore lead them to read …show more content…
Symbolism is scattered all round the story but the most recognised one is about Sophie and the theory of her aging. The evidence towards this belief is that alothough a child, Sophie is immensely mature for hher age and does not act as a young child; which you would expect to be outside playing with friends. This is why the Witch of the Wastes curse was not to "turn her into an old woman..." but "a curse inside..." meaning under the spell the persons appearance chenges according to their state of mind, which in Sophies case is of an old lady. In addition to te previous statement the idea of Sophie 'Becoming younger when she acts braver". is also linked to linked as a young girl is much more likelyto be courageous and brave compared to the elderly. Which is why when Sophies state of mind changes her physical appearances also alternates, whihc in the end ties up to the concept of appearances can be decieving. This technique unquestionably guided the audience in understanding appearances VS reality, this hidden meaning is one that only the true fans of Howls Moving Castle would be able to