This paper investigates the symbolism of a mask used as a literary device in both Ourika and Therese Raquin.

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Masquerade

James Arthur Baldwin said, "Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within." This paper investigates the symbolism of a mask used as a literary device in both Ourika and Therese Raquin. "A mask is an object normally worn on the face, typically for protection, disguise, performance or entertainment. Masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practical purposes" (Mask). This essential characteristic of hiding and revealing personalities or moods is common to all masks. As cultural objects they have been used throughout the world in all periods since the Stone Age and have been as varied in appearance as in their use and symbolism. (History Of The Mask)

Ourika although very different from Therese she did rely greatly on mask. The first evidence of this is when Ourika is young and she's being treated like any other child of a wealthy white woman. She wears a mask of a white child for a very long time and is very unaware of this. Once Ourika does find out she is very upset but doesn't let her feelings show. In this way she is also hiding behind