My Lady Jane

This section introduces important context and establishes tone and genre. The authors use a short prologue to humorously explain their use of historical material in fictionalized ways (See: Background), such as stating that some historical names are changed, “simply because we thought a name was terrible and we liked another name better” (8). They establish that they are taking a relaxed approach to the historical fiction genre, focusing on fiction rather than fact. They also introduce the expectation of romance by promising that the plot will focus on “a young lord and lady who have no idea their destinies are about to collide” (10) to create a sense of momentum and suspense.

The authors also introduce magical and fantastical elements through their description of the Ethians, which will become an important symbol throughout the text (See: Symbols & Motifs). The social divide between the Ethians and the Verities also introduces the key theme of The Importance of Social Responsibility. The tense divide between these two groups creates two major problems for the protagonists from the start. First, the question of who will succeed Edward is difficult because of where the candidates stand on the Ethian issue, which suggests that political leaders have social responsibility toward their people’s well-being. Second, G’s horse form drives a further wedge between him and Jane because of his own shame about it, rather than any judgment from her. The authors thus use this section to portray a divided society, stressing how the conflict between Ethians and Verities will help drive the narrative action forward while also enabling the characters to explore what it means to create social cohesion and communal trust.

G’s complex feelings toward his Ethian form also introduce the theme of Finding One’s True Self. Although G loves being a horse, it isolates him socially, and he fears that he cannot be honest with Jane about his condition. His insecurity about his Ethian identity is paralleled by his reluctance to openly admit to his love of poetry, as societal expectations about masculinity make him feel that it is not a proper hobby for a young man. He uses a false name for poetry readings and pretends that he spends this time womanizing, which further alienates him from Jane.

G’s poetry could have brought them together if he were honest, as Jane, too, loves literature: This is an example of irony, which the authors use extensively through this section as they set up the relationship between Jane and G. Through alternating between different character viewpoints, the authors humorously highlight Jane and G’s internal compatibility whilst retaining external obstacles. Jane is self-conscious about not meeting societal beauty standards, but G finds her beautiful. G is ashamed of his horse form, whereas Jane actually finds horses beautiful and loves Ethians. The authors stress this irony in Jane’s visit to Dudley castle, where she admires G in horse form without realizing it. While the reader therefore receives many hints that the couple are well-suited romantically, the characters themselves remain oblivious to this compatibility, creating obstacles for the romantic plotline and showing that they both have work to do to be their true selves with each other.

The opening chapters also introduce the key theme of The Complexities of Freedom and Power. Neither G nor Jane have much power over their lives. Despite both objecting to their arranged marriage, they are forced to follow through with it due to social constraints and their controlling parents. However, they both seek freedom through other means. They both use escapism, with G using his horse form as a means of temporarily escaping his family’s control, and Jane finding mental and emotional freedom through reading her books. While the prospect of acceding to the throne offers both Jane and G a form of real political power, the circumstances surrounding the potential succession reinforce the sense that they are both more the pawns of others than active agents in their own right. As the novel progresses, both characters will have to fight for true agency and freedom in their own lives.

This section uses the structure of alternating viewpoints to set up the three main protagonists. Focusing on each one in turn enables the authors to create a rounded, humorous portrayal of their character: for example, Jane’s prioritizing of books even when she is being married off, or Edward’s desire to come across as sardonic and unbothered even when he is dying. The authors lay the foundation for the plot by showing the protagonists’ main aims and the obstacles in their way, such as Jane and G’s desire for freedom while remaining trapped in their societal roles. Freedom and power is also central to Edward’s plot: He seemingly has the most power possible, but is faced by the insurmountable obstacle of his impending death. Edward’s dilemma creates tension and jeopardy, laying the ground for a plot twist later in the novel.