Final answer:
The beginning of Chapter 14's sitting room scene illustrates the power dynamics and emotional distance between Serena Joy and the narrator, with room arrangement and character actions subtly revealing their conflicting positions. Serena Joy in a position of power and authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sitting room scene at the beginning of Chapter 14 is pivotal in showcasing the positions of Serena Joy and the narrator in relation to one another. Through the arrangement of the room and the actions of the characters, we can observe the power dynamics and the emotional distance between the two.
Serena Joy's position is often one of authority, whereas the narrator's is more subservient and observant, which is reflected by their interactions and positions in the room. The tension and social stratification within the house are subtly underlined by the characters' interactions and their relationship with space and furniture, such as chairs and armchairs which act as symbols of their social status.
The dialogue and body language also serve to enhance our understanding of the conflict and the underlying themes in the narrative.