In Edgeworth,s novel Belinda, the omniscient narrator provides a point of view that not only details the characters

actions but also reveals their mindsets; this omniscient point of view better reveals Edgeworths approach to life and sets up the ironic contrast at the end. The omniscient narrator conveys that Edgeworth is a complex character that is able to adapt to almost any situation; ironically, however, it is this very chameleon aspect of his character that he detests in others. The narrator first begins by judging Edgeworth, saying he might have been more than a pleasant young manif he hadnt been smitten with the desire of being thought superior in everything. This rather mocking sentence establishes Edgeworth as an egotistic character who is probably not the best liked due to his domineering personality. If the narrator had been Edgeworth, however, Edgeworth may have portrayed those around him as actually insipid and moronic, leading to a false misconception that the society around him actually is lacking in all aspects. The omniscient narrator acts almost as a hidden member of the community, able to give a more accurate portrayal of Edgeworths true personality. Other than just observation, the narrator tells that Edgeworth studied at Oxford, which does lend some basis for his egotistic nature, but then contrasts it by saying Edgeworth is afraid of passing for a pedant. Due to this fear, Edgeworth pretends to disdain all kinds of knowledge when around those less intellectually talented. This point of view reveals Edgeworths true motivations for adopting a faade of ignorance; he fears scornthe scorn that he himself throws upon others. If this reason hadnt been revealed, Edgeworth may have passed his feigning ignorance as a means to allow others to feel more at ease, essentially portraying himself as a more caring character than he actually is. As a whole, the narrator portrays Edgeworth as a character that is not entirely conniving or entirely magnanimous, but rather a character of no real mold thats able to adapt due to his chameleon nature. Edgeworths changing nature makes it difficult to predict his actions and makes him a complex character to interpret without the narrators insight into his thoughts. Later in the passage, the narrator begins to delve into Edgeworths thoughts on Belinda, a girl who lives with Lady Delacour, a woman Edgeworth finds extremely attractive. Through continual association with Delacour and consequently Belinda, Edgeworth begins to develop affections for Belinda. The narrator incisively relates that Edgeworth becomes increasingly admiring of Belindas beauty but also fearful of being caught by her. If Edgeworth is ensnared by belindas charms, he would have to admit that he is not superior in every aspect as hes been won over by Belinda in a battle of charm. This weakness of heart would likely be unacceptable to Edgeworth, and he would probably have denied any feelings for Belinda and instead passed her off as merely another female. However, the narrators point of view shows Edgeworths open thoughts free of any feigned indifference. Soon enough, the narrator tells that Edgeworth becomes increasingly suspicious of Belinda, thinking of her as an artificial, deceiving lady. He thinks Belinda purposely does every action for the purpose of ensnaring a man and that her gestures are affected ones. Ironically, Edgeworths thoughts on Belinda are exactly the narrators thoughts on Edgeworth. Edgeworth himself is a deceptive man, always adapting to every situation to maximize social impact and garner respect, and, similarly, Belinda, in Edgeworths eyes, is a deceptive woman, affecting her actions to maximize social standing and attract the men. Though Edgeworth fears this deceiving nature, he is still drawn in. Though he

himself would adamantly continue denying being attracted, the narrator accurately tells that Edgeworth is in fact both attracted and repulsed by Belinda. It is this very mindset that others likely have around Edgeworth. They find his adaptability and feigned kindness attractive but feel disgusted that his actions are so affected. In the end, the narrators omniscient point of view portrays Edgeworths actions and inner emotions. Edgeworth is shown to be a very adaptable man, capable of easily changing his character to fit into any social situation. His greatest fear is the fear of being rejected; this fear is the driving force behind his chameleon character. Edgeworth himself isnt strong enough to face this fear, but the narrator shows that he detests this character he himself embodies, as shown by his simultaneous disgust and attraction to Belinda. Edgeworth as a whole and shown as a very conflicting man, unsure of how he should act to be accepted by those around him.