Who is Ida Arnold? Ida Arnold is a vivacious, larger than life woman who becomes involved with Pinkie's affairs after the murder of Charles Hale. Comment below on how you think she can be interpreted.
A key theme of Greene's novel is contrast and how nothing is black and white, this is reflected greatly through Ida. The juxtaposition of the ideas of a lustful vivacious woman and a loving motherly figure are present throughout chapter 1 with comments such as "You thought of sucking babies as you looked at her, but if she'd borne them she hadn't let themn pull her down". This creates an uncomofrtable impression of Ida and this xconflict of personality can be seen in other aspects of her life. Although she is an atheist she does believe in the existence of ghosts and supernatural entities. This again represents again a confusing double standard that Ida belives a God is impossible while supernatural spirits are. da is therefore a character of cointrast symbolic of the vibrant and multi-faced Brighton.
As we are shown in the beginning of the novel, Ida is a head-strong, confident woman who doesn't conform to the contextual ideology of how women should behave/ act. In chapter 1 we are met with the portrayal of Ida as a woman who doesn't easily become emotionally attached to anything, this is evident with the number of men she seems to be acquainted (with which we see in chapter 2) and yet shrugs them off when prompted to join them. In chapter 2 we are shown a side of Ida that we have had experienced before, when she weeps whilst seeing Hales' ashes fall from the chimney. Tom Brooks
In chapter 3 of part 1 Greene further illustrates the theme of appearance versus reality through the character of Ida. In the opening chapter we are presented with a loving, maternal and sympathetic woman with an optimistic approach to life and others. Yet in chapter 3 the readers are exposed to a darker undertone of Ida. After Hale's cremation, Ida experiences some darker thoughts and explains that "she was prepared to cause any amount of unhappiness" as well the narrator claiming that "vengeance was Ida's, just as much as reward was Ida's". These quotes both suggest Ida's darker self-indulgent side as she now feels. Although Hale's death was none of her business, she feels she needs to take control of the situation and claim what right not just for Hale's sake but for her sake. This need to claim justice also portrays to the reader her self-righteousness and self-gratification in order for her claim that it's her "vengeance". Will Morley
Throughout chapter 3 part 1 Greene interprets the character of Ida Arnold in a variety of ways using many different techniques. For instance, Ida is conveyed as being a kind hearted and friendly woman to begin with as the reader interprets her character as generous, "you can have a quid; now run along." The fact that Ida gives the man some money not only proves her natural generosity and friendliness but also her ability to provide others with happiness hence emphasising her kind hearted nature. By doing this Greene is relating to the women readers of the time and the view that all women were friendly and could also relate to how women did as men asked - as she gave the money to a man. Shortly after Hale's cremation, Ida uses a ouija board as she believes in "ghosts," to the reader this could be seen as an 'evil' act as by contacting spirits you are in a way disobeying God as technically it could be highlighting a disbelief in heaven after death. The 1930's reader would argue that this shows Ida as a character as therefore having an underlying darker side to her character as she is not religious which the majority of 1930's Britain was.
In the opening of the novel we are introduced with Ida as a high-spirited character who is exceptionally self-assured, as well as a loving figure with maternal instincts. Ida is entirely irreligious yet has secure beliefs/ morals. Greene hides the concept of morality, through juxtaposition between Ida's ideas about consumerism and her morals. Greene presents Ida in this way as a representation of society at the time. Ida's secular morality is prominent through the narrative view point. Alluded to in the quote "man is made by the places in which he lives". This quote furthermore links to a key theme in the play being nature vs. nurture. Ida's irreligious views stand out throughout the novel as they contrast others (Pinkie) having catholic views, similarly to Greene, as well as society at the time being extremely religious. Alfie Narborough
Ida Arnold is representative of charisma, in Part 1, Chapter 1. Whereas Hale is greatly associated with the that of death, through a reference to ‘murder’, Ida very much juxtaposes this, within Part 1, Chapter 1. Greene ensures that this contrast is most coherent, though purposeful, as Hale acknowledges that Ida is ‘Life’, implying experience, and understanding, and of essence, and soul. Ida is too illustrated as a maternal, sympathetic, a decisive, though ebullient, and exuberant character. These connotations juxtapose that of the character of Hale, by which the emotion of a reader is captivated. Throughout Parts 2, and 3, Ida is characterised, furthermore, as decisive, and persistent. - Ben Spicer
Ida Arnold, a vivacious larger than life woman, is a character that involves herself in the murder of Charles Hale, a short-lived friend of hers. “You can have a quid; now run along”. Ida is symbolic of the generosity of Brighton, and how her selflessness and kind gestures generate happiness for her acquaintances. Much a like Brighton’s alternative personality, much indifferent to the cold-hearted behaviour associated with Pinkie. Ida’s ideas of right and wrong do not derive from religion, unlike Pinkie. She believes in the supernatural existence, hence why she uses a Ouija board to contact spirits to see if there was any wrong doing in the death of Hale. The idea of the different perceptions of right and wrong referred to throughout the novel is a key aspect towards Ida’s individual and un-stereotypical personality.
Ida is someone who represents the friendly nature of Brighton. This is seen through the quote "her own half dozen cronies... I have a prior engagement at the Dirty Dog". This shows how she doesn't fit in with the stereotype of women at the time as she has had a number of "friends" and has no shame at these "engagements", even offering to have another with a stranger she just met, Hale. She also likes being the centre of attention as they are her "cronies" which represents the friendly and care free nature of Brighton - Ben Gibson
Ida Arnold is presented in a number of different ways; possible due to the narrative viewpoint, but the overarching idea is that she has a love of life, which could be a reason that she feels so strongly about the death of Hale. "life was sunlight on brass bedposts, ruby port, the leap of the heart..." the asyndetic listing of these reasons to live shows that she views many reasons to live, and that she wants to get right to the importance of life, skipping the irrelevant parts, ie the connectives. The word "sunlight" implies hope and happiness, the opportunity for a new start, and the beginning of life. Furthermore, she mentions "brass" as opposed to a more expensive material, this demonstrate her love of the journey, life, as opposed to the reward or the ending, she does not have a materialistic view on life. She also mentions "ruby port" the colour red, intense as ruby, symbolises vitality, romance, passion, anger, all of which demonstrate her love of every aspect of life, and her willingness to push through and embrace whatever comes her way. - Ed Hobson
Within Brighton Rock, Greene presents Ida in two very contrasting ways for the reader to interpret; the first of which is as a caring and motherly figure which is conveyed through quotes such as: ‘you thought of sucking babies when you looked at her’ showing that she is certainly represented as being a responsible and well thought of lady. The other opposing way that Ida is presented as by Greene is an objectified and sexual women through many quotes surrounding her body. This shows the reader that Ida is an extremely complex character and cannot simply be explained on one level which is why Greene has chosen to give her multiple conflicting characteristics. –Jack Wright
Ida Arnold has a very split personality, which mirrors the idea that there are two Brighton's being presented to us. Ida is very made up and cares about her appearance, and tends to be rather promiscuous, which is a complete contrast as the other side of her which is very caring and maternal. 'You thought of sucking babies when you looked at her... she took care of herself. Her lipstick told you that, the confidence of her big body.' This quote shows the contrasting idea's and it makes it uncomfortable for the reader as both these idea's are complete opposites and you wouldn't want to put them together.
Ida Arnolds personality changes throughout the novel from chapter 1 where she is described as kind mother type looking after hale, but contrastingly as a large vulmpuous women with a big sex appeal. This is shown with the quote "You thought of sucking babies as you looked at her, but if she'd borne them she hadn't let them pull her down".This quote helps to illustrate how she is of large sex appeal but that this isn't the only aspect of her there is something much more interesting about her. This is revealed later on after Hales murder with "vengeance was Ida's, just as much as reward was Ida's". This helps to show this darker side to Ida and her intelligence. Greene does this to illustrate how complex Ida and the other characters are and how there is more going on under the surface. Ollie Tanner
Ida is a woman of mixed personality that believes in the fulfilment of life and her beliefs towards memories are strong within her. Unlike Pinkie Ida believes in the idea of secular morality and believes in right and wrong unlike Pinkie believing in a sense of good and evil. “she didn’t believe in heaven or hell, only ghosts”. Shows her beliefs that contrast those of Pinkie and create a conflict between them. Her sense of right or wrong is the reason she is driven towards uncovering the murderer of Hale. Pinkie however does things just for his own benefit and is only worried about things when he dies. Although Ida has no clear religious views she does have some superstitions which could illustrate the idea that she is a woman that believes solely that things are present and we must try and live life to the fullest we can. The idea of Ghosts could also show her theories towards memories and how they may live on forever in the supernatural that is around us. - Matt G
Ida Arnold is presented as a simple on the surface yet a complex character when analysed in detail. This is linked to one of the key themes of Brighton Rock being the contrast between appearance and reality. For example, despite the fact she is at first presented as a modern, materialistic character, she is later shown to have developed opinions about various affairs. This is seen in the quote “a man is made by the places in which he lives”. This shows Ida favours the idea of nurture being the major influence on someone’s personality whilst the reader’s initial impression may not believe she could have such developed opinions on something such as the nature/nurture debate. -Dylan Peters
A key theme of Greene's novel is contrast and how nothing is black and white, this is reflected greatly through Ida. The juxtaposition of the ideas of a lustful vivacious woman and a loving motherly figure are present throughout chapter 1 with comments such as "You thought of sucking babies as you looked at her, but if she'd borne them she hadn't let themn pull her down". This creates an uncomofrtable impression of Ida and this xconflict of personality can be seen in other aspects of her life. Although she is an atheist she does believe in the existence of ghosts and supernatural entities. This again represents again a confusing double standard that Ida belives a God is impossible while supernatural spirits are. da is therefore a character of cointrast symbolic of the vibrant and multi-faced Brighton.
ReplyDeleteAs we are shown in the beginning of the novel, Ida is a head-strong, confident woman who doesn't conform to the contextual ideology of how women should behave/ act. In chapter 1 we are met with the portrayal of Ida as a woman who doesn't easily become emotionally attached to anything, this is evident with the number of men she seems to be acquainted (with which we see in chapter 2) and yet shrugs them off when prompted to join them. In chapter 2 we are shown a side of Ida that we have had experienced before, when she weeps whilst seeing Hales' ashes fall from the chimney. Tom Brooks
ReplyDeleteIn chapter 3 of part 1 Greene further illustrates the theme of appearance versus reality through the character of Ida. In the opening chapter we are presented with a loving, maternal and sympathetic woman with an optimistic approach to life and others. Yet in chapter 3 the readers are exposed to a darker undertone of Ida. After Hale's cremation, Ida experiences some darker thoughts and explains that "she was prepared to cause any amount of unhappiness" as well the narrator claiming that "vengeance was Ida's, just as much as reward was Ida's". These quotes both suggest Ida's darker self-indulgent side as she now feels. Although Hale's death was none of her business, she feels she needs to take control of the situation and claim what right not just for Hale's sake but for her sake. This need to claim justice also portrays to the reader her self-righteousness and self-gratification in order for her claim that it's her "vengeance". Will Morley
ReplyDeleteThroughout chapter 3 part 1 Greene interprets the character of Ida Arnold in a variety of ways using many different techniques. For instance, Ida is conveyed as being a kind hearted and friendly woman to begin with as the reader interprets her character as generous, "you can have a quid; now run along." The fact that Ida gives the man some money not only proves her natural generosity and friendliness but also her ability to provide others with happiness hence emphasising her kind hearted nature. By doing this Greene is relating to the women readers of the time and the view that all women were friendly and could also relate to how women did as men asked - as she gave the money to a man. Shortly after Hale's cremation, Ida uses a ouija board as she believes in "ghosts," to the reader this could be seen as an 'evil' act as by contacting spirits you are in a way disobeying God as technically it could be highlighting a disbelief in heaven after death. The 1930's reader would argue that this shows Ida as a character as therefore having an underlying darker side to her character as she is not religious which the majority of 1930's Britain was.
ReplyDeleteIn the opening of the novel we are introduced with Ida as a high-spirited character who is exceptionally self-assured, as well as a loving figure with maternal instincts. Ida is entirely irreligious yet has secure beliefs/ morals. Greene hides the concept of morality, through juxtaposition between Ida's ideas about consumerism and her morals. Greene presents Ida in this way as a representation of society at the time. Ida's secular morality is prominent through the narrative view point. Alluded to in the quote "man is made by the places in which he lives". This quote furthermore links to a key theme in the play being nature vs. nurture. Ida's irreligious views stand out throughout the novel as they contrast others (Pinkie) having catholic views, similarly to Greene, as well as society at the time being extremely religious. Alfie Narborough
ReplyDeleteIda Arnold is representative of charisma, in Part 1, Chapter 1. Whereas Hale is greatly associated with the that of death, through a reference to ‘murder’, Ida very much juxtaposes this, within Part 1, Chapter 1. Greene ensures that this contrast is most coherent, though purposeful, as Hale acknowledges that Ida is ‘Life’, implying experience, and understanding, and of essence, and soul. Ida is too illustrated as a maternal, sympathetic, a decisive, though ebullient, and exuberant character. These connotations juxtapose that of the character of Hale, by which the emotion of a reader is captivated. Throughout Parts 2, and 3, Ida is characterised, furthermore, as decisive, and persistent. - Ben Spicer
ReplyDeleteIda Arnold, a vivacious larger than life woman, is a character that involves herself in the murder of Charles Hale, a short-lived friend of hers. “You can have a quid; now run along”. Ida is symbolic of the generosity of Brighton, and how her selflessness and kind gestures generate happiness for her acquaintances. Much a like Brighton’s alternative personality, much indifferent to the cold-hearted behaviour associated with Pinkie. Ida’s ideas of right and wrong do not derive from religion, unlike Pinkie. She believes in the supernatural existence, hence why she uses a Ouija board to contact spirits to see if there was any wrong doing in the death of Hale. The idea of the different perceptions of right and wrong referred to throughout the novel is a key aspect towards Ida’s individual and un-stereotypical personality.
ReplyDeleteIda is someone who represents the friendly nature of Brighton. This is seen through the quote "her own half dozen cronies... I have a prior engagement at the Dirty Dog". This shows how she doesn't fit in with the stereotype of women at the time as she has had a number of "friends" and has no shame at these "engagements", even offering to have another with a stranger she just met, Hale. She also likes being the centre of attention as they are her "cronies" which represents the friendly and care free nature of Brighton - Ben Gibson
ReplyDeleteIda Arnold is presented in a number of different ways; possible due to the narrative viewpoint, but the overarching idea is that she has a love of life, which could be a reason that she feels so strongly about the death of Hale. "life was sunlight on brass bedposts, ruby port, the leap of the heart..." the asyndetic listing of these reasons to live shows that she views many reasons to live, and that she wants to get right to the importance of life, skipping the irrelevant parts, ie the connectives. The word "sunlight" implies hope and happiness, the opportunity for a new start, and the beginning of life. Furthermore, she mentions "brass" as opposed to a more expensive material, this demonstrate her love of the journey, life, as opposed to the reward or the ending, she does not have a materialistic view on life. She also mentions "ruby port" the colour red, intense as ruby, symbolises vitality, romance, passion, anger, all of which demonstrate her love of every aspect of life, and her willingness to push through and embrace whatever comes her way. - Ed Hobson
ReplyDeleteWithin Brighton Rock, Greene presents Ida in two very contrasting ways for the reader to interpret; the first of which is as a caring and motherly figure which is conveyed through quotes such as: ‘you thought of sucking babies when you looked at her’ showing that she is certainly represented as being a responsible and well thought of lady. The other opposing way that Ida is presented as by Greene is an objectified and sexual women through many quotes surrounding her body. This shows the reader that Ida is an extremely complex character and cannot simply be explained on one level which is why Greene has chosen to give her multiple conflicting characteristics. –Jack Wright
ReplyDeleteIda Arnold has a very split personality, which mirrors the idea that there are two Brighton's being presented to us. Ida is very made up and cares about her appearance, and tends to be rather promiscuous, which is a complete contrast as the other side of her which is very caring and maternal. 'You thought of sucking babies when you looked at her... she took care of herself. Her lipstick told you that, the confidence of her big body.' This quote shows the contrasting idea's and it makes it uncomfortable for the reader as both these idea's are complete opposites and you wouldn't want to put them together.
ReplyDeleteIda Arnolds personality changes throughout the novel from chapter 1 where she is described as kind mother type looking after hale, but contrastingly as a large vulmpuous women with a big sex appeal. This is shown with the quote "You thought of sucking babies as you looked at her, but if she'd borne them she hadn't let them pull her down".This quote helps to illustrate how she is of large sex appeal but that this isn't the only aspect of her there is something much more interesting about her. This is revealed later on after Hales murder with "vengeance was Ida's, just as much as reward was Ida's". This helps to show this darker side to Ida and her intelligence. Greene does this to illustrate how complex Ida and the other characters are and how there is more going on under the surface. Ollie Tanner
ReplyDeleteIda is a woman of mixed personality that believes in the fulfilment of life and her beliefs towards memories are strong within her. Unlike Pinkie Ida believes in the idea of secular morality and believes in right and wrong unlike Pinkie believing in a sense of good and evil. “she didn’t believe in heaven or hell, only ghosts”. Shows her beliefs that contrast those of Pinkie and create a conflict between them. Her sense of right or wrong is the reason she is driven towards uncovering the murderer of Hale. Pinkie however does things just for his own benefit and is only worried about things when he dies. Although Ida has no clear religious views she does have some superstitions which could illustrate the idea that she is a woman that believes solely that things are present and we must try and live life to the fullest we can. The idea of Ghosts could also show her theories towards memories and how they may live on forever in the supernatural that is around us. - Matt G
DeleteIda Arnold is presented as a simple on the surface yet a complex character when analysed in detail. This is linked to one of the key themes of Brighton Rock being the contrast between appearance and reality. For example, despite the fact she is at first presented as a modern, materialistic character, she is later shown to have developed opinions about various affairs. This is seen in the quote “a man is made by the places in which he lives”. This shows Ida favours the idea of nurture being the major influence on someone’s personality whilst the reader’s initial impression may not believe she could have such developed opinions on something such as the nature/nurture debate. -Dylan Peters
ReplyDelete