Question

What role does Lucy Steele play in the development of the plot? How does Austen use Lucy Steele to deepen her characterization of both Elinor and Edward?

Answer 1

Answer:

Lucy Steele helps develop the plot by showing that sense alone can also deprive you of love and leave you blind. As Elinor had not voiced her inclination towards Edward and because she did not let her emotions, in moderation, guide her logic. Throughout the novel, it is thought that Elinor would surely have an engagement with Edward Farrer however, with the news that Lucy had been his secret engagement it shattered the thought that sense had overtaken sensibility. In the end, when Lucy decides to mary Edwards younger brother instead because of financial security it goes to yet again demonstrate the value of connections versus attachments. Elinor realizes that at times she conceals things too much and does not allow herself to feel. Edward slowly grows in the novel as more is revealed about his character. Edward is also very conservative like Elinor and has a hard time expressing himself as Marianne does. Yet again Jane Austen is showing that one cannot be full of strict sense or strictly sensibility. Austen demonstrates that you need both in moderation to fully escape societies norms and create a healthy relationship. By utilizing Lucy Steele it is the biggest reminder of this as both characters beginning to transform and mature through these truths. At the time most people searched for happiness within love instead of within one's inward self. However, on this search of love the characters were so infatuated with the ideas of love opposed to what love actually is and the realistic ideals that follow it.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Exceptionally pretty, Lucy ensnares Edward's affection while he is her uncle's pupil. She herself has little education and no money and is glad of this opportunity to come up in the world. When Sir John invites Lucy and her sister Anne to Barton Park, the sisters are shrewd enough to bring presents for the children and to flatter their mother into thinking they dote on them. Thus they soon win her favor.