Lady Audley’s Secret · Theme
Gender and Power
How Lady Audley’s Secret develops Gender and Power.
Lady Audley uses her beauty, charm, and perceived fragility to manipulate men and gain power, yet ultimately remains constrained by patriarchal expectations and the limited roles available to women.
Where it surfaces
- IX: After the Storm
Lady Audley uses her perceived fragility and charm to manipulate Sir Michael, while her authority over Phoebe Marks demonstrates her domestic power.
- XIV: Phoebe's Suitor
Phoebe feels trapped by her promise to marry Luke, highlighting the limited agency of women; Lady Audley uses her charm to manipulate those around her.
- Clara
Clara's passionate agency contrasts with her father's suppression, showcasing the tension between female emotion and patriarchal control.
- George's Letters
Robert delivers a tirade against women, calling them the 'stronger sex' and blaming them for societal and domestic turmoil, reflecting Victorian gender tensions.
- XXIX: In the Lime-Walk
The duel between Robert and Lady Audley highlights gendered struggles for control, with Robert fearing her 'hellish power of dissimulation.'
- XXX: Preparing the Ground
Lady Audley uses her perceived feminine weakness and charm to gain power over Sir Michael, controlling his actions and perceptions.
- XXXI: Phoebe's Petition
Both Lady Audley and Phoebe are subject to male authority (Sir Michael, Luke, Robert) and use indirect means to exert what little power they have.
- XXXII: The Red Light in the Sky
Lady Audley uses her feminine charm and perceived fragility to manipulate others, but her power is threatened by Robert's investigation.