Lodore, Vol. 3

Focusing on themes of power and responsibility within the family, the narrative unfolds after Lord Lodore's death in a duel, leaving his wife Cornelia and daughter Ethel to navigate a complex web of legal and financial challenges. Ethel is portrayed as overly reliant on paternal authority, while Cornelia grapples with societal expectations of the aristocracy. In contrast, Fanny Derham emerges as a strong, independent figure, highlighting the struggles and dynamics of women in a patriarchal society. Shelley's work delves into the intricacies of female identity and autonomy in the early 19th century.