Optimism

Throughout the novel, the narrative valorizes the concepts of optimism and enthusiasm, using Lucy’s personal and emotional arcs to demonstrate the inherent values of these dynamics. Lucy is portrayed as having an “irrepressible light-heartedness” (3) since childhood that continues to define her outlook as a young adult. Lucy is consistently optimistic and excited about life, and this state of mind seems to translate into many desirable traits such as personal happiness and kindness towards others. For example, towards the end of Book 1, Chapter 11, Lucy encourages Sebastian to appreciate all of the good things in his life rather than dwell on the more unfortunate aspects of his own existence. Lucy’s senses of optimism are demonstrated to support characteristics of courage, kindness, and general personal fulfillment within Lucy, and the novel thereby frames such traits as invaluable to a fulfilling experience of life.

Sebastian’s much more...