Image 1 - The Othering of Rosanna Spearman

In this section of The Moonstone, Rosanna is asked to bring in the wash book for Sergeant Cuff to examine, she then later in the book is under watch by Betteredge at Cuff's discretion. Upon her departure, the specific text that was chosen to be illustrated was the line "Sergeant Cuff Looked Attentively at our second housemaid – at her face, when she came in; at her crooked shoulder when she went out." 

The decision to illustrate this particular quote allows the reader to be fully immersed in the othering of Rosanna. Not only is the section about her othering, but she is also othered because she went to prison, she is othered because she is deemed different. She hides in a bush to try and talk to Franklin (111 Collins). Cuff himself even refers to Rosanna as an "ugly girl" (111 Collins).

Harper's choice to include a drawing that furthers this narrative. Decisions like this would have an outstanding effect on readers, as pushing this narrative can have an outlasting impact on a reader's overall take on the entire novel. The facial features are also prominent in the illustration, Rosanna looks downcast and very distraught, and she is not represented as a pretty woman. Cuff is staring at Rosanna accusatorily, and this can also help push the suggested narrative. Betteredge is also upset with his eyes not meeting any other character. Betteredge seems to pity Rosanna "out of pure pity for the girl- on my soul and my character, out of pure pity for the girl – I gave Sergeant Cuff the necessary explanations," Betteredge claims Rosanna is "mad" for falling in love with Mr. Blake (112 Collins). Betteredge's posture in the illustrations aids the dialogue he is speaking, he is very uncomfortable, and his face looks pale, and his hands on his knees suggest he is nervous or worried, specifically for Rosanna.

Cuff is sitting as if he were ready to get up at any moment. He is not comfortable, and his furrowed brow would suggest that his posture is directed at Rosanna.

Collins, Wilkie. The Moonstone. Edited by John Sutherland, Oxford University Press, 2008