The Venetians · Question
How does The Venetians develop the theme of Secrecy and Identity?
Answer
The Venetians by M. E. Braddon develops Secrecy and Identity across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Vansittart hides his past crime and assumes false names (John Smith) to protect his reputation, while also concealing his relationship with Lisa and her child, leading to a life of prevarication and fear of exposure.
Lisa's story about her English benefactor is shrouded in mystery, and her true history remains unknown to Vansittart, who cares little to learn it.
Vansittart adopts the alias 'John Smith' and plans to deny ever having been in Venice, highlighting his struggle to hide his true identity.
The chapter hints at an 'understanding' between Eve and Sefton, and Vansittart's pursuit of Eve involves a degree of social strategy, suggesting hidden motives and unspoken rules.
Evidence in the book
- In the City by the Sea
Lisa's story about her English benefactor is shrouded in mystery, and her true history remains unknown to Vansittart, who cares little to learn it.
- Afterthoughts
Vansittart adopts the alias 'John Smith' and plans to deny ever having been in Venice, highlighting his struggle to hide his true identity.
- The Prelude to Some Brighter World
The chapter hints at an 'understanding' between Eve and Sefton, and Vansittart's pursuit of Eve involves a degree of social strategy, suggesting hidden motives and unspoken rules.
- VI: Why Should He Refrain?
Vansittart keeps the secret of Venice from his mother, and the Marchant family's past is shrouded in mystery, influencing perceptions.
- VIII: A Face in the Crowd
Vansittart's past actions in Venice threaten to expose his true nature. He receives an unaddressed letter, and his identity is known to Fiordelisa, creating a sense of impending exposure.
- IX: “Though Love, and Life, and Death Should Come and Go”
Vansittart's hidden past and the promise of secrecy from Lisa and la Zia underscore the theme of concealed identity.
- X: “As Things That Are Not Shall These Things Be”
Vansittart conceals his true name, adopting 'Smith' to avoid revealing his connection to the Venetian tragedy, highlighting his need to maintain a separate identity.
- One Thread in Life Worth Spinning
Vansittart's determination to keep his Venetian adventure a secret from Eve, and Eve's own secret about her brother, highlight the theme of hidden truths.
