The ugly duckling (Allegory)
We can imagine the sad life of Cousin Bette. Everyone ignores Bette and does not pay attention to her. Therefore, she should take necessary actions and take revenge on those who gossip away about her and use her kindness. At the time of reading, the reader understands that Cousin Bette is an “ugly duckling” in the elite society, in which she must live...
Society, public opinion (Motifs)
At that time, in which the main events of the book develop, the main aspect of society is public opinion. The main characters are always concerned with questions such as “What will other people say? Do they like this decision? Will they be against it?” Of course, the main characters are ashamed of their poor reputation. Valerie Marneffe tries to join the elite society with the help of rich men. Bette Fischer wants to find a husband, because everyone laughs at her. Both motifs tell us that the dependent and humiliating reputation of a poor relative is destructive for a person. They do not want to be disgraced before society.
Sculpture (Symbol)
Sculpture, like dramatic art, is the most difficult and at the same time the easiest of all arts. Make an exact cast from the living personality and the work is done. However, it is a sin of Prometheus to bring it to life, to make a sculptural male or female portrait, to make it a typical image. Sculpture is a symbol of life and art, because Wenceslas Steinbock gives his whole life for the sake of beautiful art.
