An Analysis of The Decision not to Look Upon Her

Introduction

The decision not to look upon her is central to understanding the narrative. But what does it truly mean? What are its deeper implications? How does it shape the story? At first glance, it seems like a simple choice made by one character regarding another. However, upon closer examination, this moment extends beyond an individual act and touches on broader themes of perception, judgment, and reality itself (Justice, 2019).

By analyzing this decision and its far-reaching consequences, we can gain a clearer understanding of the narrative as a whole. The character who is not looked upon is introduced early in the story, arriving in town under mysterious circumstances. Her presence is almost otherworldly, described as coming to a place “whose very name is like a spell.” This mystical aura only grows stronger when she remains unseen, adding to the tension between curiosity and restraint. She becomes a symbol—an enigma that both invites and resists understanding. On the other hand, the character who refuses to look upon her does not receive the same respect; rather, his actions raise more questions than they answer (Masad, 2019).

Literary Context and Themes

Mary Turner’s reluctance to fully acknowledge her reality highlights the weight of social expectations, her internal conflicts, and her growing sense of isolation. Her choice represents more than personal hesitation—it reflects the struggle between conformity and self-awareness. In her world, where a woman’s worth is often measured by marriage, her avoidance becomes symbolic. What happens when someone refuses to engage with the roles imposed upon them? The gathering meant to ease her discomfort only amplifies the conflict, as societal pressures mount around her. While other women at the gathering mask their own anxieties behind a facade of composure, Mary’s inability to do the same marks her as different—an outsider in a world where compliance is expected (for Translation & Literary Studies and Herouach, 2020).

Golding once remarked that "the greatest ideas are the simplest." In this case, the simple act of not looking carries enormous consequences. It speaks to the fear of truly seeing and understanding something that might challenge one’s beliefs. The tension between knowing and avoiding knowledge creates a powerful dynamic—to look is to acknowledge; to look away is to maintain a fragile illusion.

Character Analysis

This analysis focuses on a character who deliberately chooses not to look upon another. But why? Is it a deliberate act of defiance, or is it a subconscious retreat from something too painful to face? To fully grasp the significance of this decision, we must examine the layers beneath it. The act of not looking is often seen as passive, yet in this case, it is an assertion of control—an attempt to shape reality by refusing to acknowledge it.

Consider how other characters perceive this choice. Some may see it as a failure of courage, others as an act of quiet rebellion. Throughout literature, avoidance often carries psychological depth. Freud’s concept of repression suggests that avoiding something does not make it disappear—it merely drives it deeper into the subconscious, where it continues to shape thought and action (Rosita, 2019). Could it be that the refusal to look is an attempt to suppress an unbearable truth? Or is it an act of power, denying visibility to something that demands recognition?

Symbolism and Imagery

Golding masterfully weaves symbolism throughout the narrative, using light and darkness as metaphors for knowledge and ignorance. Light traditionally represents understanding, while darkness signifies the unknown, the hidden, and the feared. This is seen in Psyche’s story, where the presence of light disrupts the carefully maintained illusion:

"Psyche brought light and trouble into Orual’s life."

Her presence forces Orual to confront realities she would rather ignore. Light, in this case, is dangerous—it illuminates truths that challenge comfort and security. Orual resents it because it threatens her understanding of the world. The unseen husband, the darkness of the castle, the fear of knowledge—all reflect deeper anxieties about truth and perception (Hannay, 1971).

In contrast, ignorance becomes a kind of protection. "Blindness is safety. Knowledge destroys." This paradox runs through many literary works, from Oedipus Rex to The Golden Train. The struggle between seeing and not seeing, between knowing and remaining in blissful ignorance, remains unresolved. The text invites readers to consider how perception itself can be a burden. Is there peace in understanding, or is ignorance the true refuge?

Conclusion and Implications

The choice never to look upon her resonates throughout the text, shaping the characters and the narrative itself. This decision—seemingly personal—echoes as a broader existential dilemma. What does it mean to observe? To judge? To perceive? What responsibilities come with awareness? (Allen Lorange, 1968).

One might argue that this act is not simply about looking or not looking—it is about what it means to see. The faceless woman, once ignored, becomes an unspoken force in the text, highlighting the limits of human perception. Without acknowledgment, does she truly exist? This question extends beyond fiction, touching on real-world concerns: how often do we choose not to see what is inconvenient, uncomfortable, or even painful?

Golding’s work suggests that perception shapes reality—what we refuse to see may define us as much as what we choose to acknowledge. The text encourages readers to engage directly with its themes, challenging them to examine their own responses to visibility and ignorance. As the narrative unfolds, the burden of perception becomes clearer: seeing is both a gift and a responsibility.

“How can articulated ideas reconcile with clearer expression difficulties?” (Paul Escandell, 2015).

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Perhaps the true challenge lies not in looking or avoiding, but in understanding what we see and accepting the consequences that come with it.