Character Growth

The most obvious change in a character in Forster's novel, is that of Lucy, not only because she is the most developed persona or that it is her story, but because she means more than just one person. The novel is based on her change from a naive girl to an understanding, thoughtful and spirited woman. Forster uses her change to discuss love, the restraints of society and a woman's place with his audience. Without this discussion there would be no story.

Lucy's change is very important because it is almost a lesson to humanity. She learns to disregard the rules of society and what people think of her to be happy in her own way. Once she discovers that she is intelligent and can and will have a say, she finds a new world. Moving back to Italy with her true love brings the book full circle as she is in the perfect, brighter Italy away from the oppressive droll England.

Lucy's change takes many forms. Forster uses love, music and scenic aspects to help her discover her true free self. She goes from being meek and timid to being opinionated and wise. At first she envies the freedom of Italy, and misses it when returning to England. Cecil falls in love with her for her spirit, which she acquired from Italy, but at the same time he wishes her to conform to his idea of what a woman should be. At the end of the novel, Lucy embraces Italy for its beauty and ignores all social structure which shows that she has become free and is no longer oppressed and afraid.