Blurred Lines Analysis

In terms of blurred lines that you mention I think Alicia is a very good example of Braddon blurring lines. I agree that she is a very much a New Woman. In the story it seems to show how this has blurred the lines of what is attractive. In the story Robert while absolutely non-committal and apathetic about his cousin to all others, he thinks about her and her character traits and sometimes finds them attractive and other times not so much. An example is when he is critical of Lady Audley and how she rides a horse (XIV) and when he watches Alicia ride as a skilled horseman has thoughts about how charming and pretty she is but then in the same paragraph rebuke her for going out riding often and being free to do what she wants and seems to say it is a reason that he would not marry her (XV). Clara, as Shelby mentioned is also someone who can fit into that category. She also happens to catch the eye of Robert when she is displaying this fervor and attitude even
To many the plot and the ambition that accompanied it was a novel experience possibly as many stories usually fit into a certain traditional mold that while still interesting is still different than the sensation fiction story line.
I think that when viewed by others he is not but in the story as a whole with his internal perspectives and actions put together. He is constantly put down for being to passive and nonchalant. However, he is driven with a passion to solve the mystery of his friend's disappearance. He does it with a flare of expertise and way that shows strong traits such as dominance and control. These are things that are seen when he interviewing or speaking with the many people during his investigation. Many times it seems that he has complete control and that his demeanor is almost a shield like tool he uses purposefully than something that is just