Braddon never actuallyshows us the facts, or lets us share Lady Audleys inner mind, but the novel is written in such a way asto suggest the secret to readers immediately. It is also hard to imagine this sensationally entertainingnovel even making sense to readers who do not guess Lady Audleys secret at once; much of thesuspense of the book comes from wondering if and how her secret is going to be revealed. 3.1 Helen MaldonAs the impoverished Helen Maldon, her true person, she represents a woman who desires to improve the situation to which she was born by whatever means necessary. It is clear that Helen wantsto climb the social ladder, and in order to succeed she becomes a craftswoman constructing an elaborate identity- a living, breathing, display-window doll (Montwieler 50). From a very early age, Helenrealizes that her ultimate fate in life depended upon marriage (Braddon 345). Braddon suggests thatmarriage is the only means by which a woman can obtain wealth and status in this society. The desireto marry propitiously drives her and by applying ingenuity, elaborate plans and her beauty, Helenreinvents herself over and over again, to play the role of the domestic ideal, the only acceptable role forwomen. 3.2 Helen TalboysHelens first transgression is to become Mrs. George Talboys. Her wandering prince (Braddon346) swept her off her feet with his wealth, married her and took her throughout Europe; this is the lifedreamed by Clara. But this life could not continue for lack of money. Contrary to what the narratorsuggests, she never lies about her motivations or intentions for marriage. To George, Helen complains,loudly and bitterly. I upbraided George Talboys for his cruelty in having allied a helpless girl to povertyand misery; and he flew into a passion with me and ran out of the house (Braddon 347). After herhusbands desertion, Helen is left alone to support herself, her child and her father. This is not the lifeshe signe...
