The Unknown Editor The Role Of Marian Halcombe In Wilkie Collins`s The Woman In White (1859-60)

"The Unknown Public" (1858), is an exposition of Wilkie Collins` introduction to the penny journal. Collins questions the worth of such journals by asserting that subscribers do so "for quantity rather than quality"(p.3). However, he is aware that these subscribers are high in number, and thus valuable to the literary world, "A reading public of three millions which lies right out of the pale of literary civilization is a phenomenon worth examining" (p.2). This discovery of a literature existing outside of literature absorbs Collins. He recognises the potential of a successful application to this "Unknown" readership, "When that public shall discover its need of a great writer, the great writer will have such an audience as has never yet been known" (p.8). Ultimately, this absorption results in his own replication and emendation of popular elements of the penny journal in The Woman in White (1859-60), in an attempt to reconcile the interests of the "Unknown Public" with the benefits of reading esteemed writers.

One feature of the penny journal fascinates Collins, "The peculiar facilities to which I now refer are presented in the Answers to Correspondents" (p.4). Collins goes into detail regarding the epistolary nature of the Editor/Reader communication. What strikes him is the range of questioning, "There is no earthly subject that it is possible to discuss, no private affair that it is possible to conceive, which the inscrutable Unknown Public will not confide to the editor in the form of a question, and which the editor will not set himself seriously and resolutely to answer" (p.4). In The Woman in White, Collins creates an "Answers to Correspondents" feature through the epistles of Marian Halcombe. Her journal entries on pages 199-201 illustrate this; Marian sends two letters and receives three. The diversity in social class, and the physical locations of her correspondents, are especially pertinent. Marian writes to the "Arnolds, in Yorkshire" (p.200), who are "simple, kind-hearted, hospitable people" (p.200). The following day she writes to Mr Gilmore, the London-based attorney, regarding Laura`s, "Miserable marriage" (p.200). Among the letters she receives, one is from the, "Gentleman to whom I wrote to on Walter Hartright`s behalf," and another is from, "Walter Hartright himself...from Liverpool"(p.p200-201). Marian communicates with a lawyer; a teacher; a gentleman; and childhood friends simultaneously. As such, she transcends established social boundaries. This transcendence mirrors the qualities which Collins states the penny journal editor possess`, "Now he is a father, now a mother...now a lawyer, now a young lady`s confidante, now a young gentleman`s bosom friend" (p.4). Marian`s ability to communicate with, and relate to, various social figures, exhibits her qualification as editor. Likewise, the diffuseness of locations suggest that her physical influence parallels her social authority, adding credence to her editorial capabilities. There is a potential expansion of this influence, "A private expedition to make excavations among the ruined cities of Central America is, it seems, about to sail from Liverpool...His [Hartright`s] letter ends with a promise to write me a farewell line when they are all aboard the ship, and when the pilot leaves them" (p.201). Hartright will communicate with Marian in international waters, and her influence will travel with him. Crucially, Hartright is on an "expedition to make excavations." He is examining the unknown, and taking Marian metaphorically with him. Hartright entrusts privy information to Marian, which is subsequently shared with her readers. The classification of the expedition as "private" emphasises the exclusive nature of the information in Marian`s possession, and increases her value in the role of editor. This episode also serves as an exploration of the effect on literature itself, should the attention of the `Unknown Reader` be attracted.

Marian is also competent in the art of inquiry, "Sir Percival put some questions to me at breakfast about Laura, which left me no choice but to tell him what she had said" (p.199). This trivial incident is fraught with social complications. Marian`s use of Sir Percival`s title illustrates the formality of their relationship. This is juxtaposed with Laura`s first name, indicating the intimacy Marian and Laura share. Marian`s eligibility as a trusted confidante, and impartial advisor is testified. She extracts information from personal sources, and recounts it to interested parties. This is integral to Collins` interpretation of the penny journal editor, "No mortal position is too difficult for this wonderful man; there is no change of character as general referee which he is not prepared to assume on the instant" (p.4). Likewise Marian was left with, "No choice but to tell him what she had said." Despite her loyalty to Laura, Marian remains objective and informative, so satisfying her requirements as `editor.`

Questioning embodies deeper significance as Marian becomes an impartial buffer between parties. "He [Sir Percival] had entreated her [Laura] to favour him by maintaining her privilege of fixing the time of the marriage...She had merely expressed her acknowledgments, and desired him to mention what his wishes were to Miss Halcombe." (p.199). The union between the pair only develops through the act of a third party. This is a remarkable, yet not isolated, incident. Every negotiation transpires through Marian. Laura`s visit to Yorkshire, Hartright`s extradition to Central America, Mr Gilmore`s concern at Laura`s proposed marriage; all occur at the behest of Marian. Her centrality in these matters is pivotal. These characters are vastly different from one another, and yet they each seek Marian`s guidance. Such a revelation exposes the importance of a neutral, informed, and trusted confidante, and legitimises Collins` argument concerning the journals, "Well, you see, some likes one [penny journal], and some likes another" (p.3). Collins` creation of single, reliable, editor, has been deliberately evoked to expound to the Unknown Public the benefits of subscribing to a single, quality, journal. However, by Collins` own admission, these tactics are not entirely effective, "Five years have passed since this article was first published, and no signs of progress in the Unknown Public have made their appearance as yet." (p.8). This includes Collins` own efforts in The Woman In White. I offer up a reason for this. Marian is writing to an "Unknown Public." She writes a personal journal. Although she is qualified for the role of editor, she is oblivious to the fact. The Unknown public wish for the qualities presented in Collins` ideal editor, but they also wish for something more; the editor must personally care about the "Unknown Public."

Bibliography Collins, W (1858) "The Unknown Public," (http://www.digitalpixels.org/jr/wc/misc/curiosities1.html) Collins, W (1859-60) The Woman in White, London: Harper Collins Publishers