The Whalebone Theatre

Content Warning: The section of the guide contains descriptions of wartime violence and anti-gay bias.

Cristabel is the main protagonist of The Whalebone Theatre, and much of the story is told from her perspective. Her primary characteristics of determination and courage are reflected in her “strong features” (133) and her identification with Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess of “fire and war” (133). Even before she becomes an orphan, Cristabel is neglected by her father Jasper and stepmother Rosalind. Her isolation from the rest of the household is emphasized by the location of her bedroom, which is in the attic with the servants. The emotional distance between Cristabel and her parents is illustrated by their cold references to her as “the child.” Despite these dynamics, Cristabel finds creative ways to flourish, for her solitude makes her independent and resourceful.

Cristabel also places “a great deal of importance on logic” (83). From an early age, she recognizes that traditional gendered roles are no more than biased societal constructs that are designed to advantage men. While she loves adventure stories, she also realizes that girls and women are excluded from these narratives. Longing for an adventurous life, she rebels against the predetermined roles of debutante and wife.