In her novel, The Well of Loneliness, Radclyffe Hall draws her readers in by creating a likable and relatable character that resonates with anyone. Her portrayal of Stephen as an intelligent, caring girl, with tomboyish qualities, endears her to the readers, although not many of those with whom she has interactions during childhood. By allowing readers to get to know and relate to Stephen as an individual first, while only hinting at the aspect of sexuality, Hall creates a pertinent story for all to enjoy. All readers can associate with the story Hall tells of Stephen’s formative years. Regardless of sexual orientation, and gender identification, expression, or state of transition, aspects such as the absence of parental love, understanding,
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Whether they dislike, condemn, resent, or merely don’t understand their offspring, they are unable to create a loving connection with them, and Anna is such a parent. As described by Hall, their strained relationship displays this lack of attachment; “For these two were strangely shy with each other—it was almost grotesque, this shyness of theirs, as existing between mother and child” (15). However, it advances well beyond the bounds of shyness and further describing Anna’s emotions Hall recounts; “…Anna, looking gravely at her daughter… would be filled with a sudden antagonism that came very near to anger” (15). Hall expresses this attitude so clearly that even Sir Phillip accuses her; “Yes, you, her mother, you persecute Stephen, you torment her; I sometimes think you hate her” (111). While it may be more common for the weaker bond to exist between father and child, Hall heightens Stephen’s differences by creating one between Stephen and Anna. Since this mother-daughter lack disconnection is typically not as commonplace as the reverse, it serves to add an increased element, creating, sympathy, if not complete empathy for Stephen, increases her appeal with the
Whether they dislike, condemn, resent, or merely don’t understand their offspring, they are unable to create a loving connection with them, and Anna is such a parent. As described by Hall, their strained relationship displays this lack of attachment; “For these two were strangely shy with each other—it was almost grotesque, this shyness of theirs, as existing between mother and child” (15). However, it advances well beyond the bounds of shyness and further describing Anna’s emotions Hall recounts; “…Anna, looking gravely at her daughter… would be filled with a sudden antagonism that came very near to anger” (15). Hall expresses this attitude so clearly that even Sir Phillip accuses her; “Yes, you, her mother, you persecute Stephen, you torment her; I sometimes think you hate her” (111). While it may be more common for the weaker bond to exist between father and child, Hall heightens Stephen’s differences by creating one between Stephen and Anna. Since this mother-daughter lack disconnection is typically not as commonplace as the reverse, it serves to add an increased element, creating, sympathy, if not complete empathy for Stephen, increases her appeal with the