# How does Lady Audley’s Secret develop the theme of Appearance vs. Reality?

> Lady Audley’s Secret by M. E. Braddon

## Answer

Lady Audley’s Secret by M. E. Braddon develops Appearance vs. Reality across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The idyllic setting of Audley Court and Lady Audley's innocent facade contrast sharply with the dark secrets, violence, and moral decay hidden beneath the surface.

Lucy's outward charm and sweetness contrast with her hidden emotions and mysterious past, as seen in her bitter remark about being 'unlucky' and her nervous fidgeting with the hidden locket.

Robert appears to be a barrister but does no work; George's hopes for reunion are shattered by the reality of his wife's death.

Lady Audley's childish beauty and innocence mask her secretive and manipulative actions, such as feigning illness and locking her rooms.

## Evidence

- [i-lucy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/i-lucy.md): Lucy's outward charm and sweetness contrast with her hidden emotions and mysterious past, as seen in her bitter remark about being 'unlucky' and her nervous fidgeting with the hidden locket.
- [iv-in-the-first-page-of-the-times](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/iv-in-the-first-page-of-the-times.md): Robert appears to be a barrister but does no work; George's hopes for reunion are shattered by the reality of his wife's death.
- [vii-after-a-year](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/vii-after-a-year.md): Lady Audley's childish beauty and innocence mask her secretive and manipulative actions, such as feigning illness and locking her rooms.
- [viii-before-the-storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/viii-before-the-storm.md): Alicia's pretended indifference masks her true feelings; George's calm exterior hides a deep melancholy; Lady Audley's pretty note conceals her secretive nature.
- [ix-after-the-storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/ix-after-the-storm.md): Lady Audley's terror during the storm contrasts sharply with her radiant, cheerful demeanor the next morning, highlighting the discrepancy between her inner state and outward presentation.
- [xi-the-mark-upon-my-lady-s-wrist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xi-the-mark-upon-my-lady-s-wrist.md): Lady Audley's charming demeanor contrasts with Robert's growing suspicion about her honesty and the true nature of the bruise.
- [xiii-troubled-dreams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xiii-troubled-dreams.md): The contrast between the calm surface of Robert's life and the chaotic, disturbing dreams reflects the theme of appearance versus reality.
- [xiv-phoebe-s-suitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xiv-phoebe-s-suitor.md): Alicia accuses Lady Audley of being a 'practiced and consummate flirt' whose sweet exterior hides cruelty; Phoebe's outward compliance masks her terror.

## Links

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