Self-Perception and Ego

Where it surfaces

• I

  Lucilla's elaborate rehearsal of her grief and her imagined role as a comfort to her father highlight her self-absorption and the gap between her self-image and reality.

• II

  Lucilla's profound conviction of her own importance and her belief that her doings are the most interesting subject to others.

• Chapter IX

  Lucilla sees herself as a devoted daughter with a mission to be a comfort to her father, and her self-image as a sensible, managing woman drives her actions.

• Chapter XII

  Lucilla's reflections on her success and her ability to sacrifice personal feelings highlight her self-assured ego.

• XXI

  Mr. Cavendish's internal conflict between his desire for Barbara and his self-interest in marrying Lucilla; Lucilla's serene self-regard and confidence in her own virtue.

• Chapter XXIII

  Lucilla's calm confidence in her own abilities and her view of herself as the orchestrator of social harmony is central to the chapter.

• XXIV

  Lucilla's confidence in her own genius and strategic abilities drives her actions, while the Archdeacon's pride is challenged.

• Chapter XXVII

  Lucilla's sense of superiority and her view of herself as a woman of genius who must bear the burdens of others is central to the chapter.

• XXIX

  Mr. Cavendish's self-worth is tied to society's recognition, and his dread of shame reveals his fragile ego.

• Chapter XXXIV

  Lucilla's internal conflict between her own desires and her sense of duty highlights her self-perception as a rational, superior being.

• XXXVI

  Lucilla's reflection on the lack of proposals and her magnanimous response highlights her self-perception and ego.

• XXXVII

  Lucilla's reflection on the ten years and her unfulfilled expectations reveals her evolving self-awareness and the gap between youthful ambition and reality.

• XXXVIII

  Lucilla's wounded pride at being deemed unsuitable for a poor man's wife, and her internal conflict between public loyalty and private feeling, reveal her strong sense of self.

• Chapter XL

  Mr. Cavendish's wounded pride at Lucilla's remarks and his impulsive decision to test his popularity reveal his fragile self-image and need for validation.

• XLI

  Mr. Cavendish's struggle to reconcile his self-image as a youthful Adonis with the reality of aging and changed perceptions in Carlingford.

• Chapter XLII

  Lucilla sees herself as a 'Power' in Carlingford and contemplates her legacy, contrasting her prudence with Mr. Cavendish's failure.

• Chapter XLIII

  Lucilla's internal conflict between genuine grief and involuntary thoughts about her future highlights her self-awareness and ego.

• Chapter XLIV

  Lucilla's refusal to give up her 'sovereign position' in Carlingford and her determination to confront fate heroically reveal her strong sense of self and pride.

• Chapter XLV

  Lucilla's resolve to stay despite universal disapproval demonstrates her strong sense of self and independence.

• Chapter XLVI

  Lucilla's musings on being the center of community thoughts and her determination not to become a nonentity highlight her self-awareness and ego.

• XLVII

  Mr. Cavendish's resentment toward Lucilla and his self-justifying thoughts reveal his wounded ego and self-deception.

• XLIX

  Mr. Ashburton's confidence in his proposal and Lucilla's struggle between reason and romantic fantasy reveal their self-perceptions and desires.

• LI

  Lucilla's reflection on her ten years of social work and her belief in her own importance to Carlingford society highlight her self-regard.

• Endnotes

  Miss Marjoribanks takes comfort in her non-involvement, reflecting her self-regard and desire to maintain a consistent, controlled image.