The River & The Railway

The easy use of the railway is extremely evident in Mary Braddon’s, Lady Audley’s Secret. In this novel, Lucy is able to use the railway to move to a new city where no one knows her name or her past. She is able to use travel as a way to re-invent herself. The use of travel is also what helps her keep her secret. When needed to, she travels far to stay hidden from the character George. She also quickly runs to London to recover evidence from Robert’s apartment. She goes wherever she wants, usually alone, and no one thinks it weird or questions it. Ironically, the one thing that aids her lie, is also the one thing that helps Robert quickly uncover her secret. Through the use of the railway, Robert is able to travel everywhere needed: London, Audley Court, and the hometown of Lucy Audley. He also runs into Lucy in London, after she had recovered what she needed from his home. Because of the technology of the railway, Lucy is never able to fully out-run her past life.

This contrasts greatly from Jane Eyre, who takes a simple stage coach and walks away from Mr. Rochester’s home, and is never found out again. She is the one that has to return. There is no trace from her once she is gone.

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