Final answer:
Aunt Lucy is an integral part of the story through her impact on characters' memories and the plot. Lucy Dare and Mildred's characters represent the complexities of personal choices versus societal expectations, and their stories explore the theme of betrayal and the power of history.
Step-by-step explanation:
Despite Aunt Lucy not being alive, she remains an integral part of the story due to the enduring impact of her actions and the memories that characters hold of her. The story explores themes associated with the consequences of past actions and the manner in which they continue to resonate in the present. Lucy Dare's presence is maintained through the memories she leaves behind, affecting other characters and driving the plot forward, as they grapple with the legacy of Lucy's decisions.
The author includes Lucy to highlight how the past, especially as symbolized by traditions and values from the Old South, impacts the characters' current realities. Lucy Dare's character is an example of a person deeply influenced by circumstances, and her life's trajectory reflects how external events can shape one's identity and fate.
Her transformation from what could have been an 'ordinary, submissive, feminine, domestic' woman into someone who took controversial action shows a different side of Southern women—demonstrating their complexity and potential inner strength. Similarly, the character Mildred in the story must navigate her own decisions and actions, likely influenced by her understanding of Lucy's choices.
The narrative suggests a theme of betrayal, examining how individual decisions can betray personal beliefs, social expectations, or even a collective cause. The mention of Lucy's 'strangeness,' potentially ascribed to 'improper nourishment' or 'too little blood to the brain,' also raises questions about the reliability of memories and the impacts of health on personality and actions.
Ultimately, the inclusion of characters like Lucy and Mildred serves to dissect the interplay of personal choice, societal pressures, and the shaping force of history.