# Social Class and Ambition in Lady Audley’s Secret

> Theme guide for Lady Audley’s Secret by M. E. Braddon.

The book examines the rigid class structure of Victorian England, with Lady Audley's marriage to Sir Michael representing a calculated rise in social status, and her fear of losing that status driving her desperate actions.

## Where it surfaces

- [Lucy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/i-lucy): Lucy Graham, a penniless governess, is courted by a wealthy baronet, highlighting the intersection of social mobility and marriage as a means of advancement.
- [II: On Board the Argus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/ii-on-board-the-argus): George's rise from poverty to wealth through the gold diggings illustrates themes of social mobility and ambition.
- [III: Hidden Relics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/iii-hidden-relics): Luke's envy of the jewels and Phoebe's ambition to secure a public house highlight class tensions and aspirations.
- [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): Robert's idle life as a barrister without ambition contrasts with George's return with wealth and dreams of a villa.
- [After a Year](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/vii-after-a-year): Lady Audley enjoys her elevated status as a baronet's wife, with expensive dresses and pin-money, contrasting with her past dependence.
- [Robert Audley Gets His Conge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xvi-robert-audley-gets-his-conge): Alicia's refusal of Sir Harry Towers, a wealthy baronet, highlights the tension between social expectations and personal choice in marriage.
- [XXXI: Phoebe's Petition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xxxi-phoebe-s-petition): Phoebe's desire for advancement and Lady Audley's fear of losing her status drive the plot; the innkeeper's wife is trapped between poverty and blackmail.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/themes/social_class_and_ambition
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/themes