Lady Audley's Secret

The overall plot of this novel hinges on themes of truth and deception. Lady Audley’s whole life is a lie, and the burden of her deception increases as Robert uncovers the truth. Indeed, when it is finally revealed, even she feels as though a burden has been lifted.

Robert is the polar opposite of Lady Audley in that he is determined to arrive at the truth, no matter what. He knows that revealing the truth will cause pain, but he feels that he owes it to George to do so. Likewise, he does not wish for Sir Michael to go on living in ignorance regarding his wife’s real identity and character. Even so, he stops short of revealing that she has attempted murder, as he does not want to cause Sir Michael any more distress than is necessary. He even lies to the doctors at the institution to which he has Helen committed, inventing a cover story and a false name for her in an attempt to spare her any added distress. So, while he does engage in deceit, this is not for nefarious purposes.

Lady’s Audley’s deception also relies on the cooperation of others, including her father and Mrs. Plowson. Again, though, her father struggles with this burden. Luke Marks is another character who decides not to reveal the truth, in his case, the fact that George is alive. He toys with the idea of revealing the truth and lessening the Lady’s burden but, upon experiencing the Lady’s continued rudeness, decides to let her suffer.

The novel involves a web of intrigue that the characters struggle—and ultimately fail—to uphold. This story cannot conclude until the deception is over, whereupon the burden is relieved and the characters can begin their lives anew.

The role of men and women in society is an issue that factors heavily in this book. Lady Audley learns early on that her beauty will be her key to succeeding in life, as it will enable her to marry a wealthy man. Though she gloats about her beauty, there is a practical element to this: she knows that this is the source of her social power and value.

Sir Michael knows deep down that Lady Audley has married him for his wealth and lifestyle, and he, in turn, married her for her youth and beauty. Neither Lady Audley nor Sir Michael question their own motivations: it is only Alicia who sees that Lady Audley ensnares men with her beauty.

With her pleasant demeanor and seemingly childlike innocence, Lady Audley embodies the Victorian ideal of the “angel in the house.” This was a time period in which a stark division existed between domestic and public space. The domestic sphere was meant to be a family sanctuary, overseen by a woman who was gentle, feminine, and innocent. Lady Audley seems to embody this ideal at first, but the novel shows this to be a façade.

Another prominent notion during this time was the idea of “proper,” respectable femininity, as contrasted with fears about women’s capacity to be dangerous, ambitious, or passionate. Lady Audley occupies both of these roles, with the mask of the former concealing the latter. She also uses the “angel in the house” trope deliberately, exploiting it for her own ends. For all her ambition and ruthlessness, though, it is notable that she is reliant upon men.

Lady Audley thus represents both Victorian ideals and fears, with feminine madness being another trope that was popular during this era. Though not addressed directly, gender is a relevant issue here in that displays of “improper” femininity could be deemed signs of madness (though whether Lady Audley is mad remains open to debate). The image of the Lady striding towards Audley Court when the Castle Inn is ablaze recalls such images of madness.

This observation forms part of Robert’s dream of Lady Audley as a mermaid, luring men to their deaths, forms part of his wider thoughts regarding women. He may start out thinking about Lady Audley or Alicia, but he has a tendency to dwell on his fears and anxieties about women and their capacity to be dangerous. He manages to move past these fears by marrying Clara, who represents a more respectable brand of femininity compared to the beautiful but dangerous Lady Audley or the boisterous Alicia.

The social divisions within this novel constitute a major source of motivation for some of the characters. The most obvious example is Lady Audley, who has grown up in poverty and resolved to use her beauty to secure a wealthy husband. Her efforts to conceal her identity and kill George are intended to maintain her social position. She relishes her luxurious lifestyle and the possessions that Sir Michael provides; so much so that she is willing to resort to murder.

Like Lady Audley, Phoebe is a social climber; albeit a less successful one. Luke is happy to run an inn and mocks Phoebe’s aspirations, but Phoebe is envious that Lady Audley—a woman who resembles her in looks and character—has managed to marry someone of a higher social position. Despite occupying different social positions, Lady Audley and Phoebe act in a similar manner. Indeed, the novel shows that people of any class are liable to engage in corrupt behavior.

Lady Audley is not the only one who benefits from her marriage to Sir Michael: Sir Michael secures her hand in marriage on account of his money and status. He tries to lie to himself about this, but Lady Audley makes it apparent that this was her reason for marrying both him and George.

Class division is also marked between George’s father and Helen’s father. Helen’s father lives in a shabby house and is short of money—this is the main reason why he and Mrs. Plowson agree to take part in Helen’s plan. George’s father, meanwhile, does not have to concern himself with such matters. This is another factor that angers Helen: she had to work hard while George was in Australia and felt abandoned; meanwhile, her father-in-law and Clara were living in luxury. Not only this, it was Helen’s low social status that prompted Harcourt Talboys to cut his son off in the first place.

Robert is another character who takes advantage of his family’s wealth by living an idle lifestyle. When he finally decides to take up his trade, it is because he is motivated by Clara and believes that, were he to apply himself to his profession, he might excel.