When Broughton began publishing her work in the second half of the 19th Century, her work was categorized as a “Sensation Novel”. These novels, as the title implies, served to aroused some form of emotional or physical reaction out of the reader, often having little to no moral values as part of the narrative. Although Broughton’s Cometh Up as a Flower does have the makings of a gripping story without much substance, it provides an in depth look into the position of women in Victorian society and reverses the traditional roles. The main women are given much agency in certain regards, only to have them be continually oppressed by societal expectations.
Nell is motivated by her sexual desire for Dick, and she does shy away from expressing the depth of her emotions. Her sister Dolly on the other hand, who is the traditional beauty, is cold and calculating. She actively sabotages Nell and Dick’s relationship in order to secure her own future, and shows no remorse for her deceitful actions. Her actions are arguably self-serving, but despite her antagonistic role in Nell’s narrative, it is difficult to fault her, given her precarious situation and the weight of expectations placed on the sisters. The sister relationship also goes against most sister narratives of the time, as they often celebrated their love and supportive nature even when faced with obstacles.
Love and money are the driving forces of conflict in most 19th century novels. The characters are often forced into situations where they must balance their desires and material realities. Usually, if the protagonist is virtuous, they will be rewarded with both the love life they desire, and the security of wealth. Broughton does not adhere to this trope. Both Nell and Dolly do not act virtuously throughout the novel. However, it is Dolly, the one who plays by societal rules and does not succumb to her base desires, who ends up with all that she desired. Nell, who gave in to her sexuality, is in a financially stable marriage, but is miserable and continues to long for her lost love. Nell turns to religion when she is ill with consumption. This illness was long believed to be caused by a broken heart. By having Nell suffer from this, Broughton may be insinuating that by throwing away her virtue, thus acting immorally in the face of God, has brought on this terminal condition. This narrative have some conversion aspects to it, but the bleak ending suggests that true conversion requires a true change of heart. Had Nell not still been pining for Dick after marrying Sir Hugh, maybe her story would have ended differently.
