Dickens- the Baron of Grogzwig - 1136 Words

English Comp. II 26 April 2012 In â€Å"The Baron of Grogzwig† Charles Dickens uses plot and characterization to explore the emotional and intellectual growth of Baron Von Koà «ldwethout. The baron spends his time, surrounded by his men and living the life of a bachelor. He is a spontaneous man and suddenly, at dinner he tells his men he wants to get a wife. The baron’s courtship of his lady is quick and soon she is his baroness. The baroness demands that he gets rid of his hunting train and change the way he acts. The baron is unhappy with his life after years pass while his family ever growing larger and his wife begins to curtail all his pleasures. He lets his depressions stress him until he is at the†¦show more content†¦He decides that suicide will be the answer to all his problems, and sets off to have some drinks and a smoke. Ill smoke a last pipe, said the baron, and then Ill be off. So, putting the knife upon the table till he wanted it, and tossing off a goodly measure of wine, the Lord of Grogzwig threw himself back in his chair, stretched his legs out before the fire, and puffed away. (Dickens) At this moment he is met by a ghost, and this is the turning point in his emotional and intellectual growth. He and the spirit trade words, and the spirit seem to be in quite a rush. Now, said the figure, glancing at the hunting-knife, are you ready for me? Not quite, rejoined the baron; I must finish this pipe first. Look sharp then, said the figure. You seem in a hurry, said the baron. Why, yes, I am, answered the figure; theyre doing a pretty brisk business in my way, over in England and France just now, and my time is a good deal taken up. (Dickens) The baron is taking his time with his final drink and smoke. After hearing tales of the man whom wanted to kill himself because he had too much wealth. He begins to really evaluate what’s important in his own life. Pooh! said the apparition, petulantly, no better than a mans killing himself because he has none or little.† Whether the genius unintentionally committed himself in saying this, or whether he thought the barons mind was so thoroughly made up that it