Patriarchy
Mr. Marjoribanks symbolize patriarchy. When Lucilla comes home to comfort her father after his wife dies, the father says he does not need emotional support because he is a man. The father reminds Lucilla that he would have influenced her to join the medical profession or parliament if she were a man. Therefore, Victorian society believed that some roles, such as medicine and politics, were preserved for men, which is patriarchal thinking.
Feminism
Lucilla symbolizes feminism. Lucilla knows what she wants as a woman, and she does not want to be married to a man who does not support her vision. According to Lucilla, she knows her rights and is determined to change the perception of Victorian society towards women. She initiates programs that rejuvenate society and change their perception to achieve her goals.
Marchbank
Marchbank symbolizes materialism. When Tom gives Lucilla a condition to choose Ashburton or him, she passively tells him to buy the Marchbank estate so they can relocate there. However, Lucilla assures Tom that she has no feelings for Ashburton. Therefore, Lucilla agrees to Tom's proposal but on the condition that he buys her the Marchbank estate.
