The narrator (and protagonist) Lucy Snowe often uses imagery, especially animal imagery, to describe the varying characteristics of those around her. The frivolous and vain Ginevra Fanshawe, for instance, is initially likened to 'a hummingbird' and ' a butterfly' (Ch.14 p.174), but as Lucy grows less tolerant towards her, she is presented as a 'mealy-winged moth' (Ch.24 p.337); Polly, perching on the end of her bed, is described as 'a white bird' although she also possesses the 'supple softness' and 'velvet grace' of 'a kitten'. (Ch.25 p.349); Mme. Beck's furtive ways are compared to those of 'a cat' (Ch.12 p.140), yet she is also said to be as strict 'as a dragon'(Ch. 14 p.176).

The bestial qualities attached to the various characters not only give the reader an insight into Lucy's views on the individuals concerned, they are also indicative of her affinity with n

This all happens to Lucy as she is burning up with the heat of a fever, but there are signs elsewhere in the novel that she possesses a natural inner warmth of her own, in spite of how she may appear to the other characters. Margaret Smith argues, in the introduction to Villette, that the name 'Snowe' conceals rather than reveals Lucy's real personality. (Intro. p.xviii). This is hinted at early on in the novel when Lucy, outwardly dismissive and impatient with the sleepless Polly, tells how she 'took her in' and 'warmed her in my arms' (Ch.3 p.41).

Fire in Villette , rather than being totally destructive, would appear to be representative of inner power and passion; of vigour and, in short, of life itself. Ch.5 demonstrates fire representing life directly; Miss Marchmont, on the verge of death, suddenly awakes 'lifting her head from the pillow'. At the same time 'the fire which had been burning dead, glowed up vividly.' (Ch.5 p.47)

Lucy's relationship with nature becomes less pronounced as her relationship with M. Paul develops; this seems to be indicative of her emotional maturing. It is ironic, however, that when she does find love with another human being, it is a violent tempest which takes it away from her. Nature which provided Lucy with so much strength and comfort in the past, provides her with unhappiness in the end.

Smith, however, reminds us that the 'final fire and violence in this novel are those of the storm' which of course marks the end of the 'fiery' M.Paul.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Aurora Borealis', Ch23 Lucy, Gilbert Gubar, Mme Beck's, Miss Marchmont, Margaret Smith, Ginevra Fanshawe, Styx Charon, Throughout Villette, Fire Villette, miss marchmont, chapter lucy, inner power, images nature, lucy 'the, gilbert gubar,
Approximate Word count = 1222
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)