Theme

After Miss Bartlett catches Lucy kissing George, her main concern isn’t how Lucy feels about it, her distress comes from trying to figure out how “Lucky will silence George” P68. This scene struck me the most because it exemplifies the snobbery of the upper middle class and their view of the lower middle class. This passage helps to develop the theme of Lucy’s limited ability to express herself because of class status. Since Miss Bartlett is so caught up between the separations of classes, she is ashamed and disappointed because of Lucy’s actions. Although Lucy enjoyed the kiss, she feels obligated to tell her cousin that “I am a little to blame,” thus denying her feelings for George. Because Miss Bartlett is against socializing with the lower class, she makes Lucy feel guilty for kissing George, demanding,” if I had not arrived, what would have happened? P69. However, Lucy didn’t even think it was a big deal because “It didn’t occur to her that she would have to do anything” P68.

Readers get the impression that Miss Bartlett is always controlling Lucy and wants her to confine to the rules she was brought up with. However, this prevents Lucy from many experiences, especially of accepting the sparks between her and George. This notion reveals the potential for Lucy to rebel against Miss Bartlett and the tensions that will come along with class differences. However, this passage also reveals that Miss Barrlett will be a barrier between Lucy’s and George’s relationship. From this, readers get the notion that Lucy will be forced to suppress her emotions for George until she can be able to overcome the critic of associating herself with the lower class.