# How does Miss Marjoribanks develop the theme of Performance and Appearance?

> Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant

## Answer

Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant develops Performance and Appearance across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Characters constantly perform roles for society—Lucilla as the perfect hostess, Barbara as the talented singer—and the narrative emphasizes the gap between genuine emotion and socially required display.

Lucilla's awareness of the importance of appearances, such as her travels and conversation, to maintain her role as a social leader.

The chapter emphasizes the importance of appearances and social performance, as seen in Lady Western's inconsequent introductions and the need for a 'master-hand' to blend society.

Lucilla's attention to the aesthetic details of the Lake household (porcelain Madonna, gilt frames) reflects her focus on presentation and cultural refinement.

## Evidence

- [ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/ii.md): Lucilla's awareness of the importance of appearances, such as her travels and conversation, to maintain her role as a social leader.
- [iii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/iii.md): The chapter emphasizes the importance of appearances and social performance, as seen in Lady Western's inconsequent introductions and the need for a 'master-hand' to blend society.
- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/iv.md): Lucilla's attention to the aesthetic details of the Lake household (porcelain Madonna, gilt frames) reflects her focus on presentation and cultural refinement.
- [v](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/v.md): Lucilla's confident performance at the piano and her manipulation of Barbara's voice highlight the theme of social performance.
- [vi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/vi.md): Lucilla's careful choice of green for the drawing-room to flatter her complexion highlights her strategic management of visual presentation.
- [vii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/vii.md): Lucilla's choice of a white frock for the dinner and her discussion with Mrs. Chiley about dressing for gentlemen highlight the performative nature of social events.
- [viii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/viii.md): Lucilla's dinner is a carefully orchestrated performance of domestic perfection, and she sings a simple ballad to amuse rather than impress, demonstrating her strategic self-presentation.
- [ix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/ix.md): Lucilla is acutely aware of being observed by the Browns from their photography glasshouse, and she positions herself to maintain a composed appearance during Tom's proposal.

## Links

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