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Introduction
Perraults Bluebeard story is one of the most famous stories told from generation to generation for centuries. Simple in its plot, it provides a source of wisdom in its various interpretations and morals. To properly understand the story, it should be analyzed from different points of view. One of the perspectives that should be considered during the analysis is the one of Bluebeards wife. The essay focuses on the reasons and factors that influenced the decision of the main female protagonist to marry Bluebeard despite being terrified of him. It can be argued that her fateful decision is largely affected by the social phenomenon called peer pressure.
Discussion
Bluebeards reputation before marriage can be considered controversial among the townspeople. One fact that is known for certain about him is his wealth. As noted by Perrault at the very beginning of the tale, Bluebeard was a man who owned: fine houses, both in town and country, a deal of silver and gold plate, embroidered furniture, and coaches gilded all over with gold (Perrault). Yet, his unattractive physical features prevented him from building a relationship with women. The blue beard that he had terrified all the girls, and they ran away from him. However, he managed to marry several women, which is a fact that is known to the townspeople, but their destiny remains to be a mystery. Such secrecy was disturbing to the public, as the main female protagonist was disgusted by the unknown fate of Bluebeards wives. Yet, as the nature of Bluebeards wives was unknown, there was room for any chance both good and bad.
Bluebeard was able to manipulate people and use it as a strategy to marry women. This is evident in the way he groomed the main protagonist of the tale. His future wife was one of the two beautiful daughters in the family. Hence, engaging the family members and friends of the sisters was a solution for Bluebeard, who was rejected by both sisters. While hosting the party for his future wife and her family, Bluebeard was able to use his fortune and wealth as leverage to not only distract the guests from his blue beard but gain their affection (Talavera Patabobe 34). As Perrault writes: Nobody went to bed, but all passed the night in rallying and joking with each other (Perrault). The success of Bluebeards plan is presented by the fact that right after everybody returns from the party, the marriage is concluded.
The ambiguous nature of Bluebirds reputation provided an opportunity for him to create a positive impression. As everybody was having fun at the party, he managed to create an impression of a mighty civil gentleman (Perrault). Such characteristics were sufficient for any family to consider a candidate to be the right husband. In the times when the tale was written, women did not have much independence in making their decision, as family members were a massive influence. In addition, Bluebeard remains an intimidating figure, which is seen when their wifes friends visit the rooms and adore the wealth in his absence, as they are afraid to do this in his presence (Fowler 66). As written by Perrault: They were impatient to see all the rich furniture of her house and had not dared to come while her husband was there, because of his blue beard, which frightened them (Perrault). Hence, it is evident that the wifes acquaintances were impressed by Bluebeard and his might, which is why nobody expressed concern or attempted to warn her.
Therefore, such a situation can be considered an example of peer pressure. Although the tale does not contain any direct mention of Bluebeards new wifes friends or family convincing her to marry, their presence suggests that their opinion plays a role in the decision process. Their attitude is expressed in the phrase: They ceased not to extol and envy the happiness of their friend (Perrault). The wealth and beautiful furniture were the symbols of happy marriage for them, which is why after one week of partying with Bluebeard, everybody was convinced that he and the main female protagonist should marry. According to the definition of peer pressure, it is an influence that a peer groups opinions or behaviors have on a person (Forney and Ward 108). There are two types of peer pressure direct and indirect. Whereas in direct peer pressure, peers actions affect ones behavior directly, indirect pressure may be more subtle. For example, having a set of values where money and wealth are more important qualities than frightening looks and background.
After one month of marriage, Blue Beard puts his wife to the test, perhaps to determine her loyalty. He advises her to invite her friends over and enjoy herself thoroughly while he is away for at least 6 weeks (Perrault). Particularly this last sentence suggests that he is a jealous husband laying a trap. By giving her the keys to everything he possesses, he gives the impression of being hospitable and surrendering power to her. Even though he explicitly forbids her from using the key, he provides her access to his most private space and warns her that if she opens the door, he should be so enraged that [he] might do anything (Perrault). This was a temptation that his wife could not resist as she was curious about Bluebeards secrets.
Blue Beard welcomes the misogynistic chance to punish his spouse when he arrives and demands the key. With the help of her prayers, Blue Beards bride atones for her transgression while she waits for her brothers to act as a sign of divine salvation. Even though Blue Beard shows no mercy against her, it seems that God does, as her brothers can save her life and put an end to Blue Beard (Osborne 130). Even though the brides story has a happy conclusion, Charles Perraults moral condemns female curiosity by labeling it a fruitless pleasure and highlighting its expensive cost.
Conclusion
Therefore, the story presents us with a tragic example of a bad decision that one could make in their life and the factors that affect it. In the case of the wife in the tale, there were two pivotal moments where her decision could be considered fateful. The essay focused on the female protagonists decision to marry Bluebeard despite her despise and disgust for him. Peer pressure from friends, neighbors, and acquaintances who fell for Bluebeards wealth and fun during the party was one of the factors that influenced the protagonists decision. In addition, during the times of writing the tale, family members had much more effect on womens decision on whom to marry. Therefore, it is evident that indirect peer pressure is a social phenomenon that can be tracked for centuries.
Works Cited
Forney, Megan, and Jeffrey T. Ward. Identity, peer resistance, and antisocial influence: Modeling direct and indirect causes of desistance. Journal of developmental and life-course criminology 5.1 (2019): 107-135.
Fowler, James. Handsome, Gallant, Gentle, Rich: Before and After Marriage in the Tales of Charles Perrault. After Marriage in the Long Eighteenth Century. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2018. 65-89.
Osborne, Denise M. Bluebeard and its multiple layers of meaning. Revista Alpha 15, 2014, 128-137.
Perrault, Charles. Blue Beard. Lindhardt og Ringhof, 2021. Web.
Talavera Patabobe, Lara. Skeletons in the Closet: Images of the Grotesque in Late 20th Century Feminist Rewritings of Charles Perraults Bluebeard , 2022.
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