Sensation Fiction, Wilkie Collins, and Disability: Deafness and Blindness in Hide and Seek and Poor Miss Finch

Abstract

Despite the recurring presence of disabled characters in the works of renowned sensation novelists, the exploration of physical and mental disabilities in sensation fiction has been a relatively overlooked aspect. Sensation fiction, prevalent in the nineteenth century, is characterised by its employment of sensational elements in plot and character development, often evoking strong emotional responses from readers. The inclusion of characters with disabilities in sensation fiction goes beyond mere coincidence as it serves as a structural feature integral to the very essence of the genre. The first chapter of this thesis is a comprehensive introduction to the genre of sensation fiction with a particular focus on Wilkie Collins’s major literary contributions. The second chapter delves into the analysis of the lesser-known novel Hide and Seek; this work represents a first attempt by Wilkie Collins to portray a mute character and her deafness in the most accurate way. The protagonist, Madonna Blyth, lost her hearing in her childhood following a fall from a horse during a circus demonstration. The third chapter shifts its focus to Poor Miss Finch and the character of Lucilla Finch, a woman dealing with blindness. Both chapters provide a detailed examination of these two disabilities, offering insight into the Victorian medical background. The analysis does not only explore how these disabilities are portrayed in these two narratives but also considers the broader social and cultural implications. By exploring the medical context of the Victorian era, the thesis aims to highlight the nuanced ways in which Wilkie Collins weaves themes of disability into the fabric of his sensation novels.