A Spinster's Tale | Themes

A Spinster's Tale Themes

Growth and Development

That Elizabeth recalls so vividly the events recorded in "A Spinster's Tale"—in particular her discovery of Mr. Speed as well as her ultimate confrontation with him—indicates that these are pivotal moments in her youth. It can also be inferred that these events affected Elizabeth for the rest of her life.

Coming to terms with her family—including her late mother—as she is growing up seems to be Elizabeth's unspoken mission throughout this story. She recalls suggestive, ambiguous scenes with her brother (in her bedroom when she pleads loneliness, then wishes he would strike her) and father (when he tells Elizabeth to close her eyes to Mr. Speed) that describe her attempts to understand them.

When Elizabeth reports Mr. Speed to the police, it seems her father's disapproval of this act is as important as the act itself. It suggests (along with Elizabeth's spinsterhood) that growing up was confusing for...
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