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In Villette, by Charlotte Bronte, the characters surrounding Lucy Snowe do not develop through their own actions. Instead, Lucy is the one dynamic character living through a handful of static ones. “If Graham changes character, it is because Lucy’s recognition of his nature modify.” (Burkhart 105) Lucy’s control over the characters in the book gives her uncharacteristic strength during an age when that was rare. Bronte uses this technique to show women’s growing independence during the Victorian era, and Lucy is one woman who does it on her own. Ginevra Fanshawe is one of the first characters Lucy meets when she begins her independent adventure. Ginevra is described mainly for her beauty. She is adored by men, and cares relatively less for her schooling than her social status. Ginevra is the symbol of how most women were during Bronte’s time, being more concerned with finding a suitor than gaining knowledge. Lucy’s great observation skills allow her to learn everything there is to know about Ginevra within the first few moments. “...but it soon appeared that the dignity of solitude was not to her taste. She paced the deck once or twice backwards and forwards; she looked with a little sour air of disdain at the flaunting silks and velvets…” (Bronte 48) Lucy tolerates her shallowness, her treatment of men, and her masculine nicknames. “The most interesting of these temporarily assumed roles is Lucy’s acting the man with Ginevra --- whose names for Lucy are usually masculine, like Timon or Diogenes.” (Burkhart 107) Since there is not much for Lucy to learn about this character, Ginevra stays pretty much the same. Dr. John Graham Bretton plays a vital role in the first half of the novel. He represents the typical man of that time; handsome, sociable, and successful. He is one of the few characters from Lucy’s childhood. When she knew him at the age of 16 he seemed cold and distant to Lucy. “…being absent on a visit to one of his school-fellows who lived in the country.” (Bronte 5) Lucy falls into a pit of depression when she is left alone during vacation. She is not ready for this kind of independence so she relies on Dr John to be the hero. As she falls in love with him, he becomes warm and caring. Her reliance and unconditional feelings for him transform him. His promise of a letter proves Lucy’s dependence as she becomes uncharacteristically emotional once it arrives. “And here was the direction, 'Miss Lucy Snowe,' in a clear, equal, decided hand; and here was the seal, round, full deftly dropped by untremulous fingers, stamped with the well-cut impress of initials, 'J. G. B.' I experienced a happy feeling -- a glad emotion which went warm to my heart, and ran lively through all my veins. For once a hope was realised.” (Bronte 229) As her emotional dependence slowly shifts to Paul Emanuel, Dr John once again becomes a disconnected character.
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