SOCIAL CONVENTIONS VERSUS PRIVATE SENTIMENTS?

Social sentiments and private emotions are at the forefront of this novel. First, we have the Emersons; they live for the moment and believe in expressing their private feeling. And then we have the Vyse' who are only concerned with keeping up appearances and conforming to societal expectations. These conflicting views become a major problem for Lucy, who endlessly tries to fit in with her fiance's family.