Aurora Leigh: A Lost Soul?

Throughout Book 1 of Aurora Leigh, Aurora becomes more defined through her experiences and their descriptions. At first she discloses specific details regarding her mother's death and her father. As the novel progresses, her character begins to show through the text. Once her father dies and she is forced to move in with her aunt, Aurora comes to life through what really fascinates her as a young women. Her love for books and reading leads me to believe she is a curious and open-minded person. Also, it causes me think that she is seeking an escape. Although there were most likely many young children that had to experience the death of their parents at the time, it was probably a traumatic event for her to experience.

Aurora also reminds me of the type of child that would do anything to make her parents happy. Though it is obvious she is truly grateful for her aunt's hospitality, it seems like she may be afraid of disappointing her. The lengths she goes to to make her aunt happy go beyond being grateful. This could be what is contributing towards her feeling the need to escape from reality into her father's books.