A Room With A View Internal Conflict
In literature, the idea of conflict is of great importance and manifests itself in many ways. One of the most common and prominent of these examples is the conflict between passion and responsibility. Many famous novels such as Romeo and Juliet and Pride and Prejudice provide clear examples of this; however, they are not alone. The novel A Room with a View by E.M. Forster clearly shows this idea of passion versus duty in Lucy’s dilemma with George and Cecil, which in turn helps develops the novels themes of love and independence. The most obvious example of inner struggle within the novel comes from Lucy’s conflicting emotions in regards to Cecil and George. As we find out midway through the novel, Lucy is engaged to Cecil, she is bound to
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The impact this love triangle and confrontation had on Lucy is apparent. She defies gender norms and takes control of her own life, along with finding true love. However, it had a deep impact on the beliefs of many other characters, most prominently Cecil. After Lucy left Cecil, explaining why she broke of the engagement and how she wanted independence, Cecil realizes how he had acted. He sees he was wrong to try and control Lucy and you can see his beliefs starting to change. “After Lucy breaks off her engagement with Cecil, he displays growth and change, not “peril”: “I was bound up in the old vicious notions, and all the time you were splendid and new.... I must actually thank you for what you have done – for showing me what I really am. Solemnly, I thank you for showing me a true woman”” (Clark 13). This realization about the equality of women coming from Cecil of all people sends a very clear message and helps to reveal the true meaning of the novel. No matter where a person comes from, no matter what color their skin is and no matter what their gender, all humans are equal. The book tries to convince the reader that people should not be forced into a set of societal conventions because of their gender. Having Cecil come to this realization helps the reader see this very clearly. Having Lucy claim her independence, and having Cecil acknowledge the equality of women very clearly shows E.M. Forster’s views on equality and
The impact this love triangle and confrontation had on Lucy is apparent. She defies gender norms and takes control of her own life, along with finding true love. However, it had a deep impact on the beliefs of many other characters, most prominently Cecil. After Lucy left Cecil, explaining why she broke of the engagement and how she wanted independence, Cecil realizes how he had acted. He sees he was wrong to try and control Lucy and you can see his beliefs starting to change. “After Lucy breaks off her engagement with Cecil, he displays growth and change, not “peril”: “I was bound up in the old vicious notions, and all the time you were splendid and new.... I must actually thank you for what you have done – for showing me what I really am. Solemnly, I thank you for showing me a true woman”” (Clark 13). This realization about the equality of women coming from Cecil of all people sends a very clear message and helps to reveal the true meaning of the novel. No matter where a person comes from, no matter what color their skin is and no matter what their gender, all humans are equal. The book tries to convince the reader that people should not be forced into a set of societal conventions because of their gender. Having Cecil come to this realization helps the reader see this very clearly. Having Lucy claim her independence, and having Cecil acknowledge the equality of women very clearly shows E.M. Forster’s views on equality and