The Passion By Jeanette Winterson Stylistic Analysis

Rationale:

This written task covers the tone and rhetorical style laid out by Jeanette Winterson in her book, The Passion, that explore controversial topics ranging from passion to morals; I decided to do an analysis of Janette’s Winterson’s portrayal of sexuality in the Napoleonic war period in the format of a letter sent from one character, Queen of Spades, to another character, Villanelle, expressing why she didn’t fall in love with Villanelle. As a result, Villanelle responds back to her lover, expressing that she is still in love and will not stop taking risks. Thus, the written task is divided into two parts. Having read and annotating Chapter 2, where Villanelle encounters the Queen of Spades and they begin a quiet love, I thought it would be fascinating and formidable to try to write in an

eloquent writing style. Additionally, I thought it would be suitable to talk about the gender norms of the society portrayed in Jeanette Winterson’s novel, which Winterson wrote about in a much fluid and non-confrontational way. In other words, Winterson seeks to change the perception of gender norms and stereotypes, as she breaks the boundaries of that society, through her heroine of the book, Villanelle, as she can be seen as a trailblazer for women to look up to. I highlighted themes of equality, justice, and tradition, as well as love and war, which all are present in the book. The language of the text can be best described by imagery and effective use of quotes, “Trust me, I’m telling you stories.” The idea is that book is carefully laid out to attempt to inform the reader that there is a thin line between loves. I have included all of these characteristics within the task, as well as the diverse interpretation of love that Winterson indicates.

Word Count: 300

January 5, 1805
Dear Villanelle,
It was nice to have you accompany me while my husband was away, as you were quite a lovely guest. I was very shocked; however, that you would kiss me, as I felt that I had betrayed my husband’s covenant. I felt guilty pleasure, as after that encounter my heart was asking for more, but I knew it would be wrong if I were to do it. I care about you, and I don’t want you to keep on thinking about me, as I feel as though I am doing something wrong. Plus, if we were to be caught in an “encounter,” then it would deteriorate our image. Thus, that would break the “temple’ of trust that I have established with my husband.
After all, trust is risky, and in this day and age, trust can be hard to keep. Therefore, I would like to keep my trust with you, thus I hope that we could part ways peacefully. In other words, I do not want to break your heart, for that is cruel. However, you are very beautiful, interesting, and adventurous; therefore you deserve someone who will actually love you.
There is much life in the city of mazes. The world is full, as it doesn’t just revolve around us. Go ahead and explore the beauty and surprises that this world has to offer. Don’t look back and follow where your heart truly lies. Once a passion begins it is hard to sway from it, and it grows until it becomes an obsession. The obsession fires fuel into our heart to want more. Therefore, you must be careful in following that passion, or it can overcome you.
Above all, it is important to be modest in our actions and try not to cling onto something that would make us to do something against our will. Likewise, I think you would make a fantastic explorer, as your love of exploring things is a positive trait. You have also set your own path in this world; therefore you are constructing each frame of your life. Take life with you, and find the best of those “frames.”
Lastly, before I send my farewells. Just remember that I have your heart, so if you have the courage, come and retrieve it. Otherwise, your passion will fade and you will no longer be…

I migliori auguri,
Queen of Spades

Word Count: 400

January 6, 2015

Dear Queen of Spades,
You say that I should get over my feelings with you, but you are denying the fact that you wanted some compassion.

I take my risks, and as a gambler, I’ll put my stakes at high. For, “You Play, you lose. You play.” When I met you were a bold woman, who seemed that you had power. Now, you are conforming to gender norms, because you are afraid of your husband??

I was born to a boatman, and I feel that I was blessed since I webbed feet. Usually, only males were inherited with webbed feet, but I was different, because of the fact that I was a female. I wasn’t afraid of being different; in fact, I took great pride in it. It felt quite mystical that I could walk on water, as if I was coasting through.

But my life wasn’t all rosy, as I had to go through hardships. I had to deal with discrimination because of my gender. I was expected to be molded into a “real lady, who was obedient to only their husbands.” This is expected in society (at this time), as the view was that there were only two important roles in life, “Soldiers and prostitutes.” However, I was lucky that I got to construct my own life, and that I opened the path for other females to

follow.
Females are not weak, and we sure aren’t used for pleasure. I want to be independent and follow a life that is only decided me. Thus, I expect respect and the ability to have dignity. Also, why worry about making mistakes, when life is short anyway. Live life to the fullest, and do what makes you happy.
To be honest, you are what make me happy, and I cannot deny that I am in love with you, as you had that spark, that I had not experienced with any male. Why waste what potential we could have, especially when the stakes are at high.
My passion will not stop me from reaching what’s mine, and I will stop at nothing until I reach my goal. However, I know that I cannot win your affection. Thus, I must retreat till I can recover and move on. But Just know that I’m not giving up on my risks, for “You Play, you lose. You play.”

Tante belle cose,
Villanelle

Word Count: 400