In the novel, Villette, in chapters 20-21 Bronte reveals to us the growth of Lucy’s character as we witness changes in her. At the start, she is presented as a weak, shadowy, adolescence, but as the novel progresses she becomes a self-possessed woman who develops a strong desire to succeed in the world on her own terms. The genre of her novel can be autobiographical as Bronte also being a governess, she hopes to depict the roles of woman and in their obligations to others in the Victorian period.
Throughout the novel, Bronte presents the theme of the darkness of despair that always seems to be lurking under the surface of the narrative, even during happy episodes that Lucy experiences. For example, the authors choice of Lucy’s name is significant, as it associates with ‘light’ and ‘cold’ which can convey her unusual character. The reference to ‘light’ in her name can suggest that her narrative contains pride but the reference to ‘cold’ uncovers the despair she really feels to the readers.
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Paul. Bronte shows how at times he generates happiness which Lucy savours, but there are feelings of doubt floating around causing her to dislike Paul. In chapter 30, Lucy’s happiness is dependent on others as ‘the deepest happiness filled his blue eye…I too was happy…happier with his presence’. The repetition of ‘happy’ could suggest an exaggeration, foreshadowing her happiness will not last. This is evident when Paul mentions the idea of separation, Lucy immediately feels despair for her face ‘was covered in tears’, thus revealing she frets being alone and does not want to relive her past confinements. Bronte shows the contrast of Lucy’s emotions to portray the theme of happiness being ruined by a sense of