As narrator, Lucy Snowe frequently uses animal imagery, to describe other people. The frivolous and vain Ginevra Fanshawe is initially likened to a “hummingbird” and a “butterfly”, but as Lucy grows less tolerant towards her, she is presented as a “mealy-wing

ed moth”. Polly, perching on the end of her bed, is described as a “white bird”, although Lucy also thinks of her as possessing the “supple softness” and “velvet grace” of a kitten. Mme. Beck's furtive ways are compared to those of a “cat”, but Lucy will later say that she is as “strict as a dragon”. The bestial qualities ascribed to these characters give a sense of Lucy’s true feelings towards them as well as being indicative of her affinity with nature.

Images of fire also important in Villette. They are not destructive; rather they are representative of passion and vigor, and association with them becomes more pronounced as the novel unfolds. Early on in the work fire is directly associated with life, as, on the verge of death Miss Marchmont suddenly awakes and “The fire, which had been burning dead, glowed up vividly.” These images are also important for exploring Lucy’s inner feelings. She occasionally sees a “fire” in herself, but states by “t

Some topics in this essay:
Aurora Borealis, Lucy Snowe, Snowe” Lucy, Mme Beck's, Ginevra Fanshawe, Miss Marchmont, Bronte’s Villette, lucy snowe, miss marchmont, death miss, death miss marchmont,