6. Key Themes

What do you consider to be the key themes of this short story? Does the story have one or more messages for the reader? If so, what might these be?

 

Entrapment and violence, to me, seem to be the two most prominent key themes within Angela Carter's 'The Bloody Chamber', and they are two of the most Gothic. These themes are conveyed using setting, action and speech, conveying further themes of the degradation of women and the way that men are portrayed.

The entrapment can be based on the fact she is being trapped within the relationship, through the ceremony of marriage; an ironic use of the tradition as marriage should be about love, and the union of two people. Instead, this marriage is seen as a device used for the male to gain control over the protagonist and 'trap' her. We can see this is evident from the 'wedding gift' the Marquis presents to the narrator; 'a choker of rubies, two inches wide, like an extraordinary precious slit throat'. 'Choker' connotes the image of being tied within chains, unable to escape, linking to the idea of entrapment, as well as possession. The Marquis claims his 'wife' as his possession, by branding her with something of his own. The necklace also, being tight fitting and almost to the point of strangulation shows us that she is unable to avoid this situation and find herself trapped by his power and wealth; something that allured her to him in the first place. This cruel necklace symbolises 'the memory of a wound' by being presented as a slit throat, adding the first element of violence into the story. This necklace also foreshadows the Marquis' desire to behead the protagonist - something he feels she cannot escape. Not only does this portray the helplessness and defenceless characteristics of the protagonist - linked to females in general - but it demonstrates the patriarchal society in which Carter wished to break free from. However, by creating a protagonist who is not incredibly strong willed or powerful, she is reinforcing gender roles. Towards the end of the novel though, the narrators mother, a powerful, ambitious and daring character, saves the day, alluding to the fairytale ending.

The setting she then ventures to is his house in France. The house is described as having 'turrets' and 'spiked gates' which all suggest the theme of entrapment and the idea that she will be unable to leave or escape his home. 'Cut off by the tide from land for half a day' also suggests the isolation evident with both the house and the marriage, indicating the narrator truly is trapped within the perimeter. 'Spiked gate' not only lends itself to entrapment, but also connotes a violent nature as the 'spikes' are often connoted with weapons, causing pain to anyone trying to scale the gates. The protagonist is kept in the 'turret suite', reminding the audience of a princess locked in a tower, waiting to be rescued. This fairytale similarity shows the entrapment of the female within a phallic symbol, with no way of escape; however it does suggest a happy ending, like the examples found within children’s stories.  

Violence is most associated with the Marquis, as he, being the stereotypical Gothic villain, murdered his three previous wives. The Bloody Chamber is based on the tale of Bluebeard, and follows a similar plot line. Violence is apparent in both stories, however the gruesome behaviour and actions of the Marquis is, quite possibly, more shocking for the audience. The 'torture chamber', filled with 'blood', 'embalmed' corpses, 'skulls' and 'coffins' - all stereotypical gruesome and shocking items. 'She was pierced by not one, but by a hundred spikes' links to the gate, displaying the terrifying behaviour of the Marquis. The 'Iron maiden' is also featured, a Victorian torture method that the Marquis employs within his murderous work. Not only does this highlight the psychotic disposition of the male character, but it demonstrates the power he had over his wives, and the power he now holds over his wife.

As mentioned earlier, the narrator’s mother rescues her daughter, removing her from the 'trapped' situation she found herself in. This action of saving her daughter results in an 'irreproachable bullet through my [the protagonist's] husbands head', reversing the gender roles found previously within the narrative. The male character, now the prey instead of the predator, is murdered, by none other than a woman. Carter has included this violence to conclude the story and give it the happy ending she desired, whilst also reinventing the gender roles, presenting the heroic woman as unstoppable and powerful.

Even though the two key themes within The Bloody Chamber are contradictory, so much as, entrapment within the story portrays females as weak and submissive, trapped within the constraints of men and their leading roles, yet violence concludes the story and shows that women can become heroines and save the day, adding a duality to the story and the character within it.



'The Lady of the House of Love' - Male Characters and Interpretations

Pages 111-112 
How is the young man presented? 

'Blonde, blue eyed' links to the 'perfect race' formed by the Nazi Germans in the second world war, so inclines us to think there will be conflict within the story that involves him, yet also tells us he is a handsome man that women (the countess) will fall for. 
'Blue eyes' also links to innocence that babies and small children possess, as well as his youth and 'virginity'. 
'Although so young, he is also rational' this contrasts with the irrational storyline and plot that concerns the vampire.

Page 112
What is the significance of the bicycle?

The bicycle is described as 'the product of pure reason applied to motions' and 'the most rational form of transport' which contradicts the theme of the irrational and supernatural within the story, with logic and human reason, as the bicycle symbolises human reason at work. Refusing to give away his bicycle symbolises his initial disbelief in the irrational, and his unwillingness to be separated from those which stand for reason and humanity. 

Page 113
What is the significance of 'he gratefully washed his feet and hands' in the village fountain? 

Washing his feet and hands could link to purity and washing away of sins, therefore it also contains religious themes and links to Jesus washing his disciples feet. This again has connotations of human reason and the rational, as the supernatural plays no part in this action. Because the fountain is also a trap, an object used to lure in innocent and unsuspecting people, the fact he 'gratefully' washes and drinks means that he may also be grateful in the future, grateful to meet the Countess. 

Page 114
'Curiouser and curiouser'
What does this suggest about the young man? Which other characters are you reminded of? 

It shows his youth and wish for answers, answers that derive from logic and reason. It suggests that he is inquisitive and wishes to find out about the world, yet at a first glance he sees that this situation may be different from the rest, due to the elusive Countess and mysterious woman that meets him in the square. I am reminded of Alice and Wonderland, and the fact that Alice falls into a completely irrational and supernatural world, just like the male character in this story. 

Page 116 
The crone is described as bringing the young man to 'Juliet's tomb'. What is the significance of this intertextual reference? 

'Juliet's tomb' is a direct reference to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, highlighting the future romance between the characters, and the event of the Countess dying. Even though in Romeo and Juliet both characters die, the emphasis on only 'Juliet's' tomb, foreshadows her death. Also, it links to the supernatural and the 'undead' being of the vampire, playing on the role of a coffin as a bed. 

Page 117
'What a grisly picture of a capering skeleton! He covered it up with a happier one - of two young lovers smiling at one another....' 
How is the young man presented here? What might Carters purposes be?

This ignorance of the bad and ugly things within the world, shows his positive outlook and refusal of negative things. It also presents the Countess as the 'capering skeleton', therefore showing that he is the remedy, helping transform them both into 'young lovers'. He is also displayed as powerful, as he changes the pictures to something he desires, as well as changes the situation the Countess is in. 

Page 119
'Can a bird sing only the song it knows, or can it learn a new song?'
'One kiss however, and only one, woke up the sleeping beauty' 
Carter makes significant use of repetition in this story. Why might this be? What is the significance of the examples above, both of which are repeated in the course of the narrative.

'Can a bird sing only the song it knows, or can it learn a new song?' links to the idea that the Countess wishes to change what her life has become, and wonders if it is possible to become more human, and sing a 'different song'. Carter is exploring if old behaviour can be changed, as well as our ideologies. 'She hovers... between life and death, sleeping and waking' links to the idea that 'Sleeping Beauty' can be awoken by a kiss. The Countess desires the love and affection from the handsome boy, and thinks that his kiss will wake her, as it did in the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty. When the boy 'kisses' the wound 'better' the liminality of her condition is shown even further as instead of being awoken, she dies. The repetition of the fairytale line, is to foreshadow that the Countess will die, making this quote ironic, as she planned to be saved. In a way she was saved from the life she hated, and the only way to be saved was death. 

Page 123
'And so he puts his mouth to the wound. He will kiss it better for her, as her mother, had she lived, would have done' 
What is the significance of this quotation? 

The man wishes to take care of her, however is unaware that his kiss will kill her. The idea of him taking care of her as a mother would have done, shows the connection between the characters. The fact she misses the mother figure in her life, and clings to her through the wearing of her wedding dress, something the man takes advantage of. If we look at it positively however, it also shows the caring behaviour of the man, as all he thinks about is making her life better and happier. The fact he kisses her wound however, reverses the roles of the two characters, making him 'motherly' and more feminine. 

Page 125
How might we interpret the ending? 

Because the flower was once again blooming, we could interpret it that the Countess has come back to live either as a vampire once more, or a human. The words 'corrupt' and 'monstrous' are contrasted with 'glowing' and 'brilliant' which may represent the way the man thinks about the Countess, as he realises the monstrous things she has done, as well as her beauty. The use of a rose is also significant, as although they are magnificent flowers, their thorns can do damage; like the Countess' fangs. 

Overall, how would you explain Carter's presentation of the Lady and the Soldier in this narrative? 

The Countess, being described as a Gothic supernatural being is represented as both powerful and helpless, as she has the ability to take lives, yet cannot change the life she hates living. When she meets the Soldier she is thrown into chaos, and is even more vulnerable because of her want for 'another type of consummation' and the loneliness she feels without her mother. His purity 'blinds' her, making her weak and 'childlike'. The Soldier however does not understand the effect has has on her, due to his naivety and innocence, symbolical of his unbroken virginity. He notices the Countess' beauty and comments on her lips, similar to that of a 'whore', emphasising the way she bites (therefore kills) lots of people, yet he see's it in a sexual way. We see he is caring as he attempts to help the lady, however he is unaware that his help is the thing that kills her in the end. This could be an allegory for the constant relationship between men and women, in which the man does not realise he is killing the woman by being himself. This theme is also demonstrated in The Erl-King, as he is not aware that he will be the girls downfall. 

Bruno Bettleheim

How might Bettleheim's ideas help us to understand the purposes of fairytales?

His ideas explain that without the depiction of both good and evil within stock characters of the fairytale, children reading them would not be able to distinguish between the two categories. Fairytales are there to teach children what is right and wrong, conditioning them to think that certain behaviour and characters within the stories are evil and 'bad'. The reader is also more likely to relate to the hero and aspire to be like them, because of the happy ending in which love and life-long happines is achieved. The polar opposites of the characters mean that the child can acknowledge evil, because if evil is not presented, the natural emotions or thoughts within the childs mind may be percieved as unnatural because of it's questioned existence. The child may then think the evil only existed within them; whereas that is not the case.

How do Bettleheim's ideas help us to understand the purposes of Gothic?

Within both the gothic and the fairytale there are stereotypical good and bad characters, however, the knowledge we possess concerning fairytales shows us there is no grey area; something that is developed and contained within the Gothic genre. With fairytale you are condtitioned to think a certain way as a child, whereas the blurred boundaries between what is morally correct and what is evil that feature heavily within the Gothic, means we have to decide which character represents which role ourself.

Why do you think Carter mixes the fairytale and Gothic genres in 'The Bloody Chamber'

 

Carter has re-invented the fairytale genre whilst exposing the false ideas we have of 'good' and 'bad' characters. She points out the flaws in both male and female characters, blurring the lines between which character is the stereotypical hero and villain, as for example the Marquis; dangerous, murderous and controlling - transforms into the victim at the end. Being influenced by feminism, her stories do take on the general assumption that men are the villains and women are the victims, however the switch in gender roles and the role of the victim cause the blur between the character traits. Personally, I think she has done this to show how we are conditioned to think a certain way as children, and that the horrors within her story, mixed with the fairytale genre are relevant to all areas of life.

5. Structure

What is significant or interesting about Carter's structural choices in this story? How has she put the story together and why has she made particular choices?

Choose one aspect of Carter's structure and explain its significance

 

'The Bloody Chamber' explores the relationship between the Marquis and his new bride, however even though the story is written chronologically, it is written in past tense - narrated retrospectively by the protagonist, an unknown amount of time after the events occur.

We are introduced to the story in past tense, 'I remember' signals to us that the protagonist is looking back on events, instead of writing the events in the way they happened. This then continues with 'And I remember' remaining this way throughout the novel, until the present tense is used at the end of the story. After several pages of description and relaying of events, parentheses are used to give the reader information that deviates from the main action of the story. '(I swear to you, I had never been vain until I met him)' is the retrospective narrator talking, telling us minor details about her personality and the 'potentiality for corruption' she sensed within herself. This quote also shows the negative character traits the Marquis possesses and the ability to warp and change an innocent girl, hinting at the patriarchal society and control men exercise over women. There is however another way to look at the change within the narrator, as 'until I met him' also links to his lifestyle, money and gifts, which could have also 'corrupted' her. It shows that women are also influenced by greed and power in the same way men are. 'I swear to you' addresses the reader directly, a language device that informs Carter's structural choice to write the story retrospectively.

Carter also addresses the reader directly when saying 'You must remember how ill at ease I was in that luxurious place' displaying the control she has over both the telling of the story and what we think of both her and the Marquis. By using the word 'must' she is asserting her power of the readership, emphasising the view she wants us to have of her, almost reassuring herself that both her and the readers think of her as the helpless victim, causing us to feel sorry for her.

We see the narrator has become wiser and more knowledgeable (we later find out it is forbidden knowledge, kept away from her by her husband) through the line 'I was only a little girl, I did not understand'. 'I was only a little girl' shows not only how helpless and vulnerable the past tense character was, but how much stronger and adult the present tense narrator is too. We can see that something will happen that gives the character more power, as even when having lost her virginity she still describes herself as a 'child', foreshadowing that her defining moment is yet to come. 'I did not understand' also foreshadows an event or conversation that gives the protagonist insight into the Marquis' behaviour and ultimately the horrific acts of violence he has committed whilst playing upon his psychotic tendencies. This not only hints at what is to come within the story, but also engages the reader due to the fact we want to find out what she doesn't 'understand' and how she is enlightened.

After the climax of the story, a new paragraph is used, indicating the change in scenery, time and location; a structural device used in several other points in the book, for example straight after 'The next day, we were married'. This missed line within the body of text also adds a dramatic pause, building the tension and letting the information previously given sink in. 'bullet through my husband’s head' is the last line before the break in text, emphasising it's importance to the story and the shocking event that occurred. Carter then provides a time gap; the amount of time lost is unknown, however the text reverts to the present tense. The story, no longer written in retrospect, ties up loose ends and gives a fairy-tale ending to the plot. The element of a retrospective narrator however is a Gothic convention, and links to the revenant; the returning of the past. In the recollection of a memory, the Marquis returns from the dead to haunt the narrators thoughts, and shows that even though the traumatic events are over, she will always be reminded of the Marquis from the 'red mark' on her forehead. This indicates that however hard we try we can never escape the past, making this story one of the most Gothic within the collection.



Exam Questions

June 2012
‘Carter explores basic instincts rather than subconscious desires’. Consider at least two
stories from ‘The Bloody Chamber’ in the light of this comment.

Jan 2011
“In the stories in The Bloody Chamber Carter is excessively interested in violent instincts.”
How far do you agree with this view?

June 2011
“In The Bloody Chamber Angela Carter reverses gothic traditions so that the males become the victims instead of the females.”
Consider at least two of the stories in The Bloody Chamber in the light of this view.

Jan 2010Many readers have been shocked by the stories in The Bloody Chamber. Do you find
them merely shocking? You should refer to at least two stories in your answer.

June 2010
In The Bloody Chamber, childhood fairytales become the stuff of adult nightmares. With close reference to at least two stories from the collection, say how far you agree with this
comment.

'The Erl-King' is the most innovative and experimental of the narratives'

How far does this quotation support the statement?

'The woods enclose and then enclose again, like a system of Chinese boxes opening one into another; the intimate perspectives of the wood changed endlessly around in the interloper, the imaginary traveller walking towards an invented distance that perpetually receded before me. It is easy to lose yourself in these woods.'

------

The Erl-King is one of the most memorable stories within the Bloody Chamber collection due to its varied and poetic language that entices and captures the imagination of the readers. This technique is often associated with the fairy-tale genre; a style that Carter's stories lend themselves to. Even though Carter has stated 'These are my own stories, they are not my version of the fairy-tale' we can see the similarities between the original European tale and the gothic stories Carter has created. All of her stories, though fairy-tale like, contain gruesome horror, advanced ideologies and feminist writings, making them unsuitable to children, challenging the fairy-tale conventions and making the stories ones of the Gothic genre. 'The Erl-King', although still a gothic story like the others, stands out from the rest and in my eyes, making it the most experimental and unconventional story within the collection. This quote is a glimpse of the varied techniques used within the narrative however it demonstrates the innovative language and her gothic approach.  

One of the first things we are introduced to as readers is the shift in narrative perspective, as the story starts with poetic language in third person but swiftly changes into second person. 'The imaginary traveller' refers to the narrator herself, as it is her who is journeying through the forest; however she refers to herself in third person. This shift in narrative voice links to the idea of identity and being both with and without herself, seeing what she is and what she is not. This adds an aspect of duality to the narrator, as (we find out the narrator is female) she is challenging the assumption there is one fixed identity of herself, meaning she can be what she wants to be whether it concerns looks, gender or sexuality; the 'invented journey' symbolising the metaphorical journey she is taking as she tries to find out who she is. This added confusion within the ability to switch between perspectives is unusual, and completely unconventional, especially within her other stories. For example, 'The Bloody Chamber' is told in retrospect, but also in first person; there is only one place with which it deviates from the narrative perspective, contained in the line 'until that moment this spoilt child'. The fact none of her other stories deviate from the norm, shows us that 'The Erl-King' is innovative and creative. It blurs the boundaries of the narrative, as we have to decipher where each perspective begins and ends, making it unlike anything else Carter has written.  

When the narrative is told in first person, it can be said that the narrator is dictating the story, giving her the power within the relationship between her and the Erl-King, influencing the way we think and feel about him with her use of description and retelling of events. This empowerment of the female character is the feminist thoughts of Carter influencing her writing, something we see in many of her other stories too. In contrast to the patriarchal society, Carter allows her female roles to speak for themselves and leaves the man with no control over how the story is told. This lack of male control within the way the story is told foreshadows the death of the Erl-King at the end of the story. The death is told in first person, and then third, showing the 'intimate perspectives' within the story; linking the events to Porphyria's Lover and the intimate death that occurs at the end of the poem. Carter reverses the stereotypical gender roles within this story, as unlike 'The Snow Child' the woman within this story is not helpless, and she uses violence to escape her predicament which isn't the stereotypical way for a female to behave, as they are described as passive and weak.   

Another way Carter has blurred the boundaries of gender is by describing the Erl-King as 'an excellent housewife' and a sub-human being, making him more effeminate and not the stereotypical masculine character such as The Marquis in 'The Bloody Chamber' or The Count in 'The Snow Child'. She goes against the patriarchal society by not only giving the female role power, but by stripping the Erl-King of masculinity, giving him a vulnerable side not portrayed in the other stories. The idea that you can be only one gender and have one fixed identity is explored in 'The Erl-King', as it can be suggested that the Erl-King is a woman trapped in a man's body; the 'green eyes' showing the jealousy of the character, as the captured women are beautiful and free, whilst the woman is trapped in a hideous shell. The 'Erl-King's' search for love and affection could derive from the idea the woman is not seen as a woman and wishes for people to think of her that way. These possible links to the transgender community shows that one fixed identity is unsustainable. Carter, fighting for equality, may have added this subtle idea to show that difference within sexuality and gender is something to be accepted and explored. However, if we do not look as deeply, the Erl-King could simply be an effeminate character used to show there are several sides to man, not just the violent, controlling and strong traits shown in several other stories. This idea links to the gothic convention of entrapment in a way that has not been explored within her other stories, making it original and creative, thought provoking and incredibly innovative, as it touches on many different themes, ideas and ideologies, as well as the difference in gender and character traits. 

Entrapment is a theme used throughout the collection of stories, whether it is physical entrapment within a castle, or emotional entrapment from not being able to escape a marriage. 'The woods enclose and then enclose again' demonstrates how Gothic the setting within 'The Erl-King' is. The repeating of the word 'enclose' emphasises the physical boundaries the narrator finds herself struggling against, and this is then continued further within the simile 'like a system of Chinese boxes, opening one into another', implying that the dangers she finds herself in are inescapable. The forest can be seen as an allegory for marriage; the Erl-King is her husband. 'It is easy to lose yourself in these woods' shows us that once you enter the world of marriage you can never escape, portraying men as 'devastating' and controlling; traits found in Carter's other stories also. 'Magic lasso of inhuman music' links to the story of the Pied Piper and his ability to lure children away; something the Erl-King demonstrates he can do, by enticing his victims and locking them in cages. However,  it is not the use of entrapment that makes this story unique, it is the sometimes complex and  poetic language used (as displayed in the given quote), that explores the idea so comprehensively, making it the most creative and  one of the most developed stories within the collection.  

Although there are many similarities between the collection of stories, 'The Erl-King' is simply hypnotising. The choice of language, the structure of the narrative and the narrative perspectives all collaborate to explore the boundaries of sexuality and gender as well as the feminist views of equality and empowerment. 'The Erl-King' is definitely 'Innovative and experimental' as it lends itself to the Gothic genre, contrasts with the fairy-tale and breaks conventions that are used in narratives not only by Carter, but universally.

 

 

4. Form

What is significant or interesting about the way in which Carter uses form in this story? Choose two aspects of form and explain their significance.

'The Bloody Chamber' is presented to us through the eyes of the un-named protagonist, as she tells the story through first person narration. The story begins 'I remember how', showing us we will embark on the journey along side the character, learning as she learns. 'Remember' also shows the narrator is looking back retrospectively at the events; something that becomes clearer at the end of the novel. Because the story is written retrospectively, it implies a lesson can be learnt from the events, foreshadowing the physical and emotional journey the character goes on. The narrator is speaking in present day, therefore for the events to occur in first person, past tense is used. Throughout the novel it becomes less apparent however, as we are given details at the same time as the protagonist was, we are following her exact footsteps. First person narration is significant within The Bloody Chamber as we get the story from a females perspective, allowing us to think about feminism within the vignette, as only she sees the horrors of the bloody room and what the Marquis is truly capable of.  

There is one key moment that really stands out to me, in which the narrator refers to herself in third person: 'until that moment this spoilt child'. This sentence is interesting, as this sudden change in narrative perspective highlights the fact she does not recognise herself, due to what she has become. She acknowledges her 'spoilt' behaviour and seemingly chastises herself, referring to herself as a child; stripping away any power she had and recognising how vulnerable and endangered she is. At this point in the story she doesn't give herself the pleasure of admitting her feelings, adding to the psychologically scarring events that are about to occur. 

The events are stereotypical of the Gothic form, as the Gothic theme runs heavily throughout the story. Her lack of reaction to the 'iron maiden', 'pool of blood' and 'dead lips smiling' is not expected in modern society, as the shock, horror and psychological terror would be too much for one person to handle, whereas the narrators' 'inherited nerves' mean she accepts the dead bodies and treats it like an everyday occurrence, blurring the lines between the rational and the irrational. This blur of boundaries adds to the horror within the story, as well as the twisted nature of the Marquis' mind, shocking the audience as well as highlighting the power that men dominate over women and sexual difference. 

Gothic form is essential to the story, as the title lends itself to gruesome thoughts, foreshadowing the later events within not only 'The Bloody Chamber' but the other stories too. 'The Bloody Chamber' however is the longest and possibly the most significant, because of its clear use of gothic terms, settings and characters. The 'dark' and 'shuddering' train provides a physical journey to the 'castle' embellished with 'spikes' and 'turrets' providing a Gothic atmosphere for the events to take place. The castle also connotes the gothic convention of entrapment, showing how powerless the narrator is, in contrast to the stereotypical gothic villain. The 'Marquis' is similar to other characters found in stories such as 'The Mysteries of Udolpho' by Ann Radcliffe, and 'The Castle of Otranto' by Horace Walpole. These characters lean upon themes of duality and liminality, much like the Marquis. Even though he gives the protagonist a choice, she transgresses and fulfills his secret wishes, leading to him indulging in her planned death, yet if she had not committed the act of betraying her husband would this be her sentence? Carter uses the blur between the irrational and rational, as well as other gothic conventions to constantly make us question sexual difference and feminism; something which she explores throughout this story and the subsequent stories also. 

3. Language

What is interesting or significant about the way in which Carter uses language in this story? Choose two aspects of Carter's language and explain their significance. 

In 'The Bloody Chamber', various colours are used as motifs; symbolic of ideas, events and character traits. For example, 'red' is a constant theme that runs throughout the story - linking to the 'bloody chamber' itself, as red connotes blood and death. Many people also believe that the 'bloody chamber' is symbolic of the womb, adding another layer of horror as the 'womb' becomes a tomb in which dead bodies are stored. 
 

'Red ribbon' and 'a choker of rubies' both link to the Gothic theme of entrapment, as 'tied' links to being withheld and the red rubies depict the claim of possession the Marquis has over the young girl. The 'choker of rubies' presented like 'an extraordinarily precious slit throat' hints at the vicious behaviour and thoughts of the Marquis, as this foreshadows the 'decapitation' he plans to perform at the end of the story. A biblical reference is also used, as the crowd 'parts like the Red Sea', showing the control of the Marquis and the position of which he holds in society. The Marquis, being a selfish character, clearly thinks he is greater than man, as he decides whose life to take, using the power - from a religious point of view - only God should have.  The colour 'red' is also contrasted with the colour of 'white' to show the journey from childhood into womanhood. It is representative of the 'bloody sheets' that show the loss of her virginity; something that also links to the idea of this story being about the womb and sexuality. 

Before the girl loses her virginity, she wears 'white muslin' - a colour connected with purity and angelic women; something that is featured heavily in victorian ideology. When the girl loses her virginity; she is no longer the angelic child, she 'ceases to be her mother's child in becoming his wife' as she has progressed into womanhood. 

The exploration of phallic symbols (and in the protagonists case; a phallus itself), represents the relationship between man and woman; presenting men as selfish, greedy and cruel - pointing out their flaws in hopes to change their ways. Carter has used phallic imagery in several different locations to show that it is men who are the dominant ones and have the power in both the relationship and society.  Sexuality is explored throughout the use of phallic imagery; 'great pistons ceaselessly thrusting' connotes the act of making 'love', as the train - being a phallic symbol and machine created by man - adds sexual tension to the story. Whilst the narrator is riding the train she uses promiscous vocabularly to describe her 'satin nightdress' as it 'teasingly carresed her...nudging between her thighs' representing the more mature path of marriage she is taking and foreshadowing the consumation of their marriage. The fact she is journeying on a phallic symbol and then acts in a more sexual way is significant, as the language used isn't that of an angelic girl and it shows the 'potentiality for corruption' within her desires.

The 'spikes' and 'turrets' of the castle also link to phallic imagery, presenting the control and power the Marqius has over her because the phallic symbols create the theme of entrapment, locking her in the tower and keeping her in with 'spikes' - and patriarchy dictates he owns the property, making her simply a guest. The ending depicts the protagonists mother saving her from death by shooting The Marquis with her husbands gun. The gun is also a phallic symbol, and it implies women are incapable of saving themselves and must be protected and saved by men and their inventions. Carter, uses the strong character of the protagonist's Mother to kill the Marquis, displaying her feminist views and her wish for equality in society.