Questioning Lady Audley’s Character

“Lucy Audley was radiant on this cold and snowy January morning. Other peoples noses are rudely assailed by the sharp fingers of the grim ice king, but not my lady’s; other peoples lips turn pale and blue with the chilling influence of the bitter weather, but my lady’s pretty little rosebud of a mouth retained its brightest coloring and cheeriest freshness” (121)

This passage takes notice of Lady Audley’s features during her visit with Robert Audley after he was kicked out of Audley Court. It takes into account how Lady Audley stands out in such brutal weather. Words such as “radiant” and “brightest coloring and cheeriest freshness” combat phrases like “Other peoples noses are rudely assailed by the sharp fingers of the grim ice king” and “other peoples lips turn pale and blue with the chilling influence of the bitter weather”. A key couple words in this passage would have to be “Other people’s” and the use of “but” due to their repition. Through these words the reader gets an understanding that Lady Audley is not like any ordinary person. It stresses that she is to be taken as an individual, something that stands out in a harsh environment almost as if she was born into it. The passage is also structured around one short intro sentence followed by a very detailed long sentence that takes into account her individuality. The use of adjectives brings about a bright side and a dark side to the passage. It makes the reader think “How can she be so happy in this gruesome, dark weather?” This leads to question her true character. The figurative language in this passage enables the reader to compare and contrast her character to the environment as well. The phrase “rudely assailed by the sharp fingers of the grim ice king” brings a sense of viciousness to the passage, perhaps foreshadowing the true character of Lady Audley.