What Is Lucy In A Room With A View

The ideals of society and social classes have changed considerably throughout many decades; often causing numerous concerns between the old and new ways of one’s thinking and doing things. In the book, Story and Structure by Laurence Perrine, he states that the theme in a fiction novel is “the controlling idea or its central insight… it is the unifying generalization about life stated or implied by the story” (Perrine 92). Hence, the theme illustrated in the novel, A Room with a View by E.M Forster, is shown as, while on the verge of a new era, old social ideals are often left behind, bringing in new social values that are more appropriate. Although, this change can affect some individuals positively, it may also have a negative impact on
They have few opportunities and rights of expressing their own ideas and opinions freely. In the first chapters of the novel, Lucy is portrayed as a naïve and passive character, nevertheless she is able to mature, become independent and overcome the negative attitudes that are directed towards women. Throughout the novel, she develops into a dynamic character that “undergoes a permanent change in some aspect of character, personality or outlook. The change may be a large or a small one; it may for better or for worse; but it is something important and basic” (Perrine 70). Lucy demonstrates this development by increasing her confidence along with the help of George and his father. Hence, enabling her to stand up to other characters, especially Cecil, who is seen as prejudiced and patronizing, “I won't be protected. I will choose for myself what is ladylike and right. To shield me is an insult. Can't I be trusted to face the truth but I must get it second-hand through you? A woman's place! You despise my mother…” (E.M Forster 160). Lucy shows that she does not want to be controlled or ordered but rather, be an equal in the relationship. She is also tired of being told how a lady should act, illustrating her detachment from the traditional and gender stereotypes. In addition, Perrine defines one the principles of theme as being, “the central and unifying concept of the story.
This can affect their beliefs and attitudes towards new and different social ideals. Furthermore, the novel portrays the theme as being, while on the verge of a new era, old social ideals are often left behind, bringing in new social values that are more appropriate. Although, this change can affect some individuals positively, it may also have a negative impact on those who are have difficulty adapting therefore causing disagreements among society. This notably contributes to the main character, Lucy Honeychurch’s development as it allows her to overcome and break away from all the strict social standards of gender and class, thus giving her the opportunity of achieving happiness by being able to make her own decisions. She marries George Emerson despite him being from a lower social class as well as ignores the consequences of being rejected from her family. She matures from being gullible and trusting into a strong and independent woman by defying the gendered stereotypes. Moreover, Lucy is able to find her identity as she deviates herself from becoming the woman that society expects. Over the course of the novel, many experiences contribute to Lucy’s growth of becoming an individual person, as Twayne Author Series, author of the essay, A Sense of Deities Reconciled: A Room with a View states, “The overall movement of the novel results in