The protagonist and foil of this novel are similar in so many ways, so the foil is worth exploring. The foil underlines the need for feminism in a way that explains itself without preaching or harping. The plain truth is that in their society, a woman without a husband is treated as a second-class citizen. Lady Delacour lives a life of privilege and authority while Belinda is reduced to an assistant to the estate. That does not prevent them from loving one another, however, although it a contrast they struggle to overcome.
Their inevitable success in this struggle stems from Lady Delacour's powerlessness over death. She knows she wants to survive, but the breast cancer she struggles to survive makes her constantly aware of death. The novel suggests that over time, the isolation and the chronic fatigue of this lonely battle against death make Lady Delacour into a difficult woman to be in relationship with. In other words, her illness drives her insane without proper emotional support; a portrait of friendship is seen by relief.
Belinda's journey is one of approval and self-worth. She attaches her self-worth to Lady Delacour because of admiration, but when she approaches her as a friend to confront her about her foolish decision to hide her deadly illness, she is rejected. That sends her toward a climactic change in her character where she decides to demonstrate her affection through service, eventually earning a place of honor in Lady Delacour's life. This journey to honor is simultaneously a journey to approval because of how highly she esteems her mistress.
