Appearance and Truth

Throughout this novel the characters are acting. Somewhere behind the appearances lies the truth. Throughout the novel, appearances are mistaken for the truth. In each of the three interwoven schemes someone, or perhaps everyone, is acting a role. In the smallest scheme, Gentleman is acting, pretending to be making both his fortune and Sue's by tricking Maud. Sue is acting to carry out her part of the plan to steal Maud's fortune. In the surrounding scheme, Sue is playing her part by implementing the smaller scheme, Gentleman is acting a dual role, and Maud is acting to play the role that will win her freedom. In the largest scheme, Mrs. Sucksby is able to stop acting, as is Richard. Maud must now learn to enact another role. When Sue escapes the asylum and returns to the Borough, Mrs. Sucksby must begin to play her role again...