Uncanny In The Moving Finger

Examine the elements of “uncanny”in The Moving Finger Finger. How can you justify the fates of  Mr Grancy and Claydon. 

“The Moving Finger” is a psychological thriller written by prolific American novelist Edith Wharton. It revolves around the themes of loneliness and isolation embedded into the life of the male protagonist of the play accompanied by the combining effects of control and rivalry which results in a power struggle for love exhibited by the two male characters of the plot, arising from their dependence on a female. 

The preternatural and unsettling plot is characterised by the characters feelings and the psychological effect it creates on their lives.  Both Mr Grancy and Claydon are portrayed to be deeply in love with the late second Mrs. Grancy to an extent that brings about the themes of rivalry in the plot. Both of them feel like they need her presence in their life to sustain themselves. This highlights the uncanny theme in the fact that although it was stereotypical during that day and age that women were depended on men for mostly everything, it was reversed herein where both males were attracted and dependent on the beautiful Mrs. Grancy. Ralph Grancy, especially is depicted to be of a controlling nature and wants to control his wife even after her death. This is evident in his request to Claydon to repaint the portrait of Mrs. Grancy in order to be able to watch her grow older with him. Wharton characterises Ralph as a man who is unable to cope with his life with no support and cannot move on after the death of his second wife. However, he. Is simultaneously controlled by his wives. This is underscored by Whatron in the play wherein Mr. Grancy refuses to divorce his first wife despite his marriage not exactly being “successful”. 

The undercurrent of tension between the males of the short story is accenuated by the possibility of an affair between Claydon and the second Mrs. Grancy. This reinstates the theme of uncanny as it emphasises the theme of rivalry present in the mind of Clayton for Mr. Grancy. The symbolism of the potrait suggests the love and obsession both Mr. Grancy and Clayton have for Mrs. Grancy. There is also some symbolism reflected in the fact that Ralph Grancy had married twice – it highlights his need to feel connected with someone. This throws light upon the theme of uncanny further as it depicts both the characters to have similar tastes in women and being equally dependent on one woman and yet simultaneously competitor’s for her love. 

Wharton makes use of the creative theme of stereotypes to create the effect of uncanny in the work. Both Mr. Grancy and Claydon objectify Mrs. Grancy and they do not treat Mrs. Gracy as a woman who deserves respect. However, this is contrasted with the fact that both the men are completely and deeply in love with Mrs. Grancy and they are completely dependent on her for the same reasons.