Object Vs. Subject

In considering our class discussion today, I wanted to continue the discussion of objectivity versus subjectivity. However, rather than continuing with the example of Arabella, I wanted to look more closely at other characters. First and foremost, as Lucy is the other prominent female within the novel, so far, it seems that her objectivity or subjectivity should come into consideration. In considering her role, she is a ladies’ maid of sorts to Arabella and does her bidding, despite what emotions she should have to the contrary. For example, she transcribes a response to Mr. Hervey but cannot remain impartial in a situation which is of little real concern to her, "This news put Lucy into a terrible fright: She told her Apprehensions to her brother; which being such as her Lady had put into her head, were now confirmed by Mr. Hervey's Illness..." (16). This passage alone, shows the complexity of Lucy's position. She is supposed to not only be the object of use to Arabella but also should remain impartial in Arbela’s affairs, but through her concern and seeming independent thought, she attempts to gain agency. However, this agency still puts her into an object role in that it is 'such as her Lady had put into her head.' Due to her inability to separate her own life from the life she has as Arabella's maid, the object vs. subject debate surrounding Lucy becomes incredibly complicated and murky. In addition, The Marquis as the raiser of and guardian to Arabella seems to be an important person in terms of object vs. subject. Due to his wealth and position, the Marquis has a great deal of agency, both with the manner in which Arabella has been raised and how she lives in addition to further promoting and provoking pursuit of Arabella. However, his initial proposal to Arabella concerning her marriage to him proves unsuccessful, “The Impropriety of receiving a Lover of a Father’s recommendation appeared in its strongest Light. What Lady in Romance ever married the Man that was chose for her?” (27). Although based in fantastical and unrealistic expectation of family, love and marriage, Arabella’s notions of what constitute her own ‘reality’ are what prevents her father from being a consistent subject with power over everyone, despite his status and wealth. It seems then that there are no clear definitions of someone who is entirely an object and entirely a subject within the novel so far. Although not overtly drawn to attention within the context of the novel itself, agency, especially for women in this time period is a huge issue. With so much attention on the debate over the ‘proper place’ for a woman cropping up in this century, through female novelists and through The Female Spectator, the presence of agency within the novel, especially knowing that this novel is a satire of the stories of Don Quixote, can help to shed light on both the realistic and fantastical ways that Arabella in particular, deals with the issue of female power.