raddon 201). The alternativewhich Clara gives Robert allows him to take the roles of defender of the proper feminine, and of thepatriarchal, aristocratic family from the threat of dissolution (Pykett 104). Robert subsequent continuingsearch for George prevents Clara from leaving the country house, denying her a much neededtransgression, and instead preserves her in the domestic role which, heretofore, has silenced her voice. 2.2 Confinement in MarriageStill, even after the mystery of her brothers fate is discovered, Clara is restless. She tells Robert,If I were a man, I would go to Australia, and find him, and bring him back (Braddon 430). PerhapsClara is more eager to leave the suppressive English climate than to find her brother, George. WhenRobert declares his love for her, Clara feels uneasy and her little hand was drawn away from his... andit rested lightly and tremulously upon his dark hair (Braddon 431). Braddon is describing Claras fearat the thought of marriage; she gives no answer (Braddon 431). Robert then proposes marriage in thefollowing way: Shall we both go, dearest? Shall we go as man and wife? Shall we go together, my dearlove, and bring our brother back between us? (Braddon 431). It is only when Robert asks Clara toaccompany him to Australia in search of George that Braddon implies an acceptance of marriage.Braddon subtly suggests that Claras motivation for marriage to Robert represents the prospect of leavingthe English patriarchal society, which keeps her in the role of domestic angel. Roberts proposal offersher the possibility of exploration and freedom for which she desperately craves. However, Clara nevergoes to Australia because George returns out of his own volition. The novel does not allow her thepossibility of a transgression and since she has already consented to marriage, Clara is left confined toEnglands countrys house.Clara moves through the novel from dutiful daughter to dutiful wife. Her imminent r...
