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There can be many reasons as to why women behave in such a deviant manner; it maybe something within the woman or it could be their conditions of existence. Whether it is conditions that make a woman monstrous or the woman’s nature, there are many ways to interpret female monstrosity. In the novel, Lady Audley’s Secret, by Mary Elizabeth Branddon, the monstrosities of women are portrayed by the actions of Helen Maldon, who, through deviant measures is able to rise from poverty, and secure the aristocratic title of Lady Audley of Audley Court. Helen Maldon is the daughter of an alcoholic ‘half-pay naval officer’ who constantly squanders all their money on booze, and leaves them struggling to manage until the next paycheck. As a result, Helen knows what it means to live a life of hardship, and because she despises that kind of life, she takes whatever actions are necessary in order to change her future for the better. At a young age, Helen realizes that she is what most people would call beautiful, and she soon understands that her beauty and angelic charm would be her ticket to a better life. She uses her attractiveness, sense of innocence, femininity, and charisma to enchant people. Helen’s ability to control the men in her life makes her a devilish figure. The monstrosity is in her control over her feminine sexuality, which she uses on men’s weakness for women’s magnetism and allure. She represents the Victorian fear of an evil woman whose devious sexuality allows her to pursue hopes for wealth, social status, and power.
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