The Allure of Mysterious Women in Literature and film I

          STRANGENESS AND SECRECY

A Comparative Analysis of Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo" and Edgar Allan Poe's "Ligeia"

Achille Beltrame (Italian, 1871-1945), “Fanciulla con lillà”

The allure of mysterious women in literature and cinema has long captivated audiences, evoking fascination, intrigue, and even obsession. In this essay, we will delve into the portrayal of enigmatic female characters in two seminal works: Alfred Hitchcock's film "Vertigo" and Edgar Allan Poe's short story "Ligeia." Through a comparative analysis, we will explore how these distant, enigmatic women capture the interest of both the protagonists and the audience, examining the various narrative techniques and symbolic elements employed to convey their mystique.

Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo": In "Vertigo," Hitchcock masterfully portrays the allure of mysterious women through the character of Madeleine Elster. From the moment we encounter her, Madeleine exudes an aura of otherworldly beauty and enigma.
Madeleine is introduced as a distant, almost ethereal figure, obsessed with the past and seemingly possessed by the spirit of her ancestor, Carlotta Valdes. This supernatural mystery captivates Scottie, drawing him into an obsessive quest to understand and save her. The unknown aspects of Madeleine’s character, combined with her haunting beauty and apparent fragility, create a compelling and irresistible enigma. Madeleine's enigmatic nature is amplified by her association with the haunting figure of Carlotta Valdes, whose tragic history adds layers of mystery to her identity. Hitchcock employs various cinematic techniques to accentuate Madeleine's mystique, such as the use of lighting, costume, and setting. The iconic scene at the Spanish mission, where Madeleine stands amidst the eerie redwood trees, epitomizes her ethereal allure and the sense of unease she evokes. Furthermore, Hitchcock utilizes the subjective camera to immerse the audience in Scottie's perspective, heightening the sense of fascination and intrigue towards Madeleine.
Madeleine is shrouded in mystery from the outset. She exhibits strange behaviors, such as visiting historical sites and appearing to be possessed by the spirit of Carlotta Valdes. This enigmatic quality fascinates Scottie, compelling him to uncover the truth behind her actions.

In Poe's "Ligeia," the titular character embodies the archetype of the mysterious woman with a supernatural presence. Ligeia is described as possessing a beauty that transcends earthly standards, with her dark, luminous eyes being a focal point of her charm. He describes her "she was tall, somewhat slender, and, in her latter days, even emaciated. I would in vain attempt to portray the majesty, the quiet ease, of her demeanor....She came and departed as a shadow. I was never made aware of her entrance"

Similar to Madeleine in "Vertigo," Ligeia's enigmatic nature captivates the protagonist and fuels his obsession. Poe employs rich symbolism and Gothic imagery to convey Ligeia's mysterious allure. The opulent settings of the decaying abbey and the haunting beauty of the landscape mirror the ethereal quality of Ligeia herself. Moreover, the motif of the mysterious poem "The Conqueror Worm," which Ligeia recites with haunting intensity, adds to the sense of foreboding surrounding her character. the author acknowledges that the mystery is strange "—although I perceived that her loveliness was indeed “exquisite,” and felt that there was much of “strangeness” pervading it, yet I have tried in vain to detect the irregularity and to trace home my own perception of “the strange.” Ligeia is not only strange but also secretive and private. " I have never known the paternal name of her who was my friend and my betrothed, and who became the partner of my studies, and finally the wife of my bosom." Ligeia’s refusal to reveal her paternal name can be seen as a deliberate choice to maintain an air of mystery. This choice aligns with the Gothic tradition, where characters often possess hidden depths and secrets that enhance their otherworldly charm. The narrator's speculation about Ligeia's secrecy suggests his deep psychological engagement with her. He ponders whether it was his own caprice that kept him from inquiring further,

Both "Vertigo" and "Ligeia" explore the theme of male obsession with mysterious women, albeit in different contexts and narrative styles. While Hitchcock's film is a psychological thriller set in modern-day San Francisco, Poe's story is a Gothic tale of love and loss in a gloomy, ancient setting. However, both works share common elements in their portrayal of enchanting female characters and the psychological impact they have on the protagonists. One notable similarity between Madeleine and Ligeia is their association with death and the supernatural. Madeleine's connection to the tragic figure of Carlotta Valdes and her apparent possession by Carlotta's spirit imbue her character with an aura of strangeness and danger.

(spoilers ahead)

In "Ligeia," the narrator is obsessed with his first wife, Ligeia, who is described as a woman of remarkable beauty, intelligence, and willpower. After her death, the narrator marries Rowena, a woman who is Ligeia's opposite in many ways. Rowena falls ill and dies, but in a dramatic and supernatural twist, she seems to come back to life, transformed into Ligeia.

After Madeleine's apparent death, Scottie encounters Judy Barton, who bears a striking resemblance to Madeleine. He transforms Judy into Madeleine, not realizing she was impersonating Madeleine all along. Judy give up her identity to be Scottie's subject of desire.

 

Similarly, Ligeia's mysterious origins and her eerie ability to transcend death through the process of transmigration contribute to her allure. Furthermore, both Madeleine and Ligeia are depicted as symbols of idealized femininity, embodying beauty, intelligence, and a certain ineffable quality that transcends mortal existence. Their mystery lies not only in their physical appearance but also in their profound impact on the male protagonists, who are drawn to them like moths to a flame.

In conclusion, the impact of mysterious women in literature, as exemplified by Madeleine in "Vertigo" and Ligeia in Edgar Allan Poe's eponymous tale, stems from their enigmatic nature, supernatural associations, and profound impact on the male protagonists. Through a comparative analysis of these two works, we have explored how the distant, mysterious women in both "Vertigo" and "Ligeia" captivate the imagination of both the characters and the audience, leaving an indelible mark on the literary and cinematic landscape.