'The Lady of the House of Love' - Presentation of the Male Character & Interpretations




How is the young man presented?
The young man is presented as both young and old in his attitudes. And he is said to be both 'young,' and 'rational,' two seemingly contrasting qualities. As we have seen in past stories, young characters are presented as naïve and easily influenced, an example of this can be seen as the young man here is said to be full of 'unknowingness' but that this contradictorily gives him 'power in potentia'. This 'power' could perhaps be in relation to the innocence he still possesses (a rare quality) making him powerful as it almost projects an image of him being unaware of the danger and corruption that lies in the world, allowing him to still revel in happiness unlike others who are aware of the truth.


What is the significance of the bicycle?
The bicycle could be seen to be a phallic symbol and could also foreshadow what is to come further on in the story. The young man talks of the bicycle as a very good thing, as he believes 'it contributes so much to mans welfare and nothing at all to his bane,' adding to his 'powerful' ignorance and innocence. Feminists may argue that Carter has inserted this view to act as the viewpoint of all men in this situation, that 'bicycles' can do no 'harm' and are in all ways 'beneficial.' It could be argued that some female protagonists throughout these stories have been harmed in this way and thus proving that while sex may be always beneficial to men, it is not always so for women.


What might be the significance of 'he gratefully washed his hands and feet' in the village fountain?
The fact that this water is presented as 'bright, clear' suggests that there is goodness to be found and also again emphasises his purity and innocence. This fountain seems to be the only source of relief and comfort for the young man as he is disappointed to find himself in a village full of 'rank...twisting...crumbling,' structures. The washing of the hands and feet could also be religiously symbolic as this is often associated with the washing away of sins and cleansing oneself. This is significant as it could foreshadow the 'sin' he is about to commit when he meets the Countess.