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Notes and Commentaries

Volume 01, Number 1 (1976)

Lamia: The Allegorical Nature of Hetty Dorval

  • Barrie Davies
Submitted
May 22, 2008
Published
1976-01-01

Abstract

The surface simplicity of Ethel Wilson's Hetty Dorval is artfully indicative of the ethical scheme and moral debate that is the real impetus behind the writing of this novel. Through the archetypal nature of Hetty as a Siren, Circe or Lamia figure, the allegorical nature of other characters, the ritualistic movement of the action, the emblematic progress of the soul of Frankie, and the dominant narrative devices of journey, quest, and battle, this book can be seen to contain traditional and profound allegorical underpinnings.