The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. It provides a thorough exploration of the novel’s plot, characters and main themes, including gender, mental health and the blending of different genres. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 52-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Wilkie Collins
• Presentation of The Woman in White
• Summary of The Woman in White
• Character study
  • Walter Hartright
  • Frederick Fairlie
  • Laura Fairlie
  • Marian Halcombe
  • Anne Catherick
  • Mrs Catherick
  • Sir Percival Glyde
  • Count Fosco
  • Professor Pesca
• Analysis of The Woman in White
  • Genre
  • Gender
  • Mental health

About The Woman in White

The Woman in White is generally considered a precursor to the modern genre of crime fiction. It tells the story of a young man named Walter Hartright, a drawing master whose acquaintance with a gentlewoman named Laura Fairlie leads him into a series of mysteries, with the titular ‘woman in white’, who bears a striking resemblance to Laura, at the heart of it. It is up to Walter to untangle the threads of the mystery and save Laura from the machinations of her husband, whose only goal is to get his hands on her inheritance.

About Wilkie Collins

Wilkie Collins was an English novelist and playwright who was active during the 19^th century. His work often draws on his experience in the legal world, and he is generally credited with writing the earliest examples of detective novels in the English language, particularly with regard to his 1868 novel The Moonstone. He was also a good friend of fellow English writer Charles Dickens, and frequently contributed to his publications.