Aurora Floyd · Chapter
Aurora explained
This chapter introduces Aurora Floyd's early life, from her birth after her mother Eliza's death to her spoiled upbringing by her adoring father Archibald Floyd.
What happens
This chapter introduces Aurora Floyd's early life, from her birth after her mother Eliza's death to her spoiled upbringing by her adoring father Archibald Floyd. It describes her wild, 'fast' nature, her love of horses, and the growing tension between father and daughter, culminating in a stormy confrontation that leads to her being sent to a Parisian finishing school for fourteen months.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Power
Archibald Floyd's immense wealth allows him to indulge Aurora's every whim and send her to an exclusive Parisian school, but also isolates her from ordinary life.
Gender and Independence
Aurora's 'fast' behavior—riding astride, rejecting dolls, and defying her father—challenges Victorian expectations of feminine propriety.
Secrecy and Scandal
The hidden history of Eliza Floyd's lowly origins and theatrical past foreshadows the secrets that will shape Aurora's life.
Characters to notice
- Aurora Floyd
Introduced as a baby and described growing into a beautiful, impetuous, and 'fast' young woman; her love of horses and independence causes conflict with her father.
- Archibald Floyd
The grieving widower and doting father who spoils Aurora, struggles to control her, and eventually sends her to a Parisian school after a quarrel.
- Eliza Floyd
Aurora's deceased mother, whose romantic name and portrait are mentioned; her history is kept secret from Aurora.
- Alexander Floyd
Mentioned as the wife of one of Archibald's nephews; she visits and comforts the widower, becoming a favourite.
- Lucy Floyd
Aurora's cousin and confidante, a timid girl who admires Aurora and visits Felden Woods.
- Andrew Floyd
Aurora's cousin, mentioned as a member of the Croydon hunt with whom she rides across country at thirteen.
Key passages
“The romantic-sounding name had been a fancy of poor Eliza’s; and there was no caprice of hers, however trifling, that had not always been sacred with her adoring husband, and that was not doubly sacred now.”
Eliza had chosen the name Aurora on a whim, and her devoted husband considered all her wishes sacred, especially after her death.
Highlights Archibald's devotion and the sentimental value of Aurora's name.
“She said what she pleased; thought, spoke, acted as she pleased; learned what she pleased; and she grew into a bright impetuous being, affectionate and generous-hearted as her mother, but with some touch of native fire blended in her mould that stamped her as original.”
Aurora was allowed complete freedom, which shaped her into a spirited, generous, and unique young woman.
Summarizes Aurora's ungoverned upbringing and fiery personality.
“The county families accepted and made much of the rich banker’s heiress; but they were not slow to say that Aurora was her mother’s own daughter, and had the taint of the playacting and horse-riding, the spangles and the sawdust, strong in her nature.”
Society welcomed Aurora for her wealth but whispered that she inherited her mother's theatrical and horsy tendencies.
Reveals the social prejudice and the secret of Eliza's past.