Laurinda: Character Overview

Lucy Lam is the protagonist in Alice Pung’s novel Laurinda. She is a Vietnamese-Australian girl from a working-class immigrant family who earns a scholarship to the prestigious Laurinda Ladies' College. Her character undergoes significant growth as she navigates the challenges of fitting into a world of wealth, power, and privilege that contrasts sharply with her modest upbringing.

Key Aspects of Lucy's Character:

Cultural Identity and Family Background
Lucy’s background plays a crucial role in shaping her identity. Coming from a working-class, immigrant family, Lucy is deeply aware of the sacrifices her parents have made to provide her with opportunities. Her sense of duty to her family and her working-class roots often clashes with the privilege and entitlement she witnesses at Laurinda. Lucy feels torn between staying true to her background and fitting into the exclusive world of her new school.

Outsider Perspective
As a scholarship student, Lucy is very different from the other girls at Laurinda. She observes the school's toxic culture, particularly the behavior of the Cabinet, with a sharp, critical eye. Her outsider status allows her to see through the pretentiousness and manipulation that the other girls seem to accept. Throughout the novel, Lucy's ability to question what she sees and resist peer pressure becomes a key part of her identity.

Struggle for Self-Identity
Throughout the story, Lucy grapples with her sense of self. The Cabinet, a powerful trio of girls at Laurinda, tries to draw Lucy into their inner circle, and she is both tempted and repelled by their influence. Lucy's inner conflict revolves around maintaining her integrity while also dealing with the pressure to fit in and succeed in this new world. Her character development focuses on her struggle to hold onto her values in the face of the school's manipulation and power dynamics.

Growth and Resilience
Over the course of the novel, Lucy becomes more self-assured and resilient. Initially, she feels insecure about her place at Laurinda, questioning her worth and struggling to stand up to the powerful girls who rule the school. However, as she gains confidence, Lucy begins to confront the toxic environment and learns to assert herself. Her growth is marked by her ability to stand firm in her beliefs, reject the superficial values of Laurinda, and stay true to who she really is.

Moral Integrity and Courage
One of Lucy’s defining traits is her moral integrity. Even though she is offered opportunities to climb the social ladder at Laurinda, Lucy refuses to compromise her values or mistreat others for the sake of popularity. She bravely stands up to the Cabinet, despite their power, showing her strong sense of justice and fairness.

Themes Reflected in Lucy’s Character:

Class and Privilege: Lucy’s experiences highlight the divide between working-class life and the world of the privileged students at Laurinda. Her character represents the challenges faced by those trying to bridge the gap between different social classes.

Cultural Identity: Lucy’s Vietnamese heritage and family values play a key role in her decisions, as she strives to maintain her identity in an environment that is often alienating and superficial.

Individuality vs. Conformity: Lucy’s journey is about resisting the pressure to conform to the toxic behaviors of Laurinda’s elite and staying true to herself.

In the end, Lucy emerges as a strong, thoughtful young woman who has learned to navigate a world of privilege without losing her sense of self. Her journey of self-discovery and resilience makes her a powerful character who challenges the status quo at Laurinda.

In Laurinda, the Stanley Girls—Yvonne, Ivy, and Tully—are key figures who offer a stark contrast to the elite, privileged girls like the Cabinet at Laurinda Ladies' College. These characters help Lucy Lam navigate her new world, and their interactions reveal important themes about class, identity, and the importance of friendship.

Yvonne

Yvonne is a bold, unapologetic character with a strong sense of self. Unlike many of the other students at Laurinda, Yvonne doesn't try to conform to the school's rigid social norms or aspire to fit into the world of the Cabinet. She stands out because of her working-class background and her unwillingness to pretend otherwise. Her authenticity and confidence provide a sense of solidarity for Lucy, who also comes from a less privileged background. Yvonne represents the idea that staying true to oneself is more important than fitting into a world of wealth and power. She also shows Lucy that there are ways to succeed without losing one's identity.

• Key traits: Confident, outspoken, grounded in her working-class identity.

Ivy

Ivy is quieter and more reserved than Yvonne, but she is just as important in showing Lucy that not everyone at Laurinda is consumed by privilege and status. Ivy’s personality reflects humility and kindness, qualities that are often overlooked in the competitive environment of Laurinda. She doesn't seek the attention or power that the Cabinet thrives on, and her gentle demeanor is a reminder to Lucy that success doesn't have to come at the expense of others. Ivy provides Lucy with a sense of stability and moral support as she navigates the pressures of the elite school.

• Key traits: Kind, humble, supportive.

Tully

Tully is another student who shares the Stanley Girls' working-class background. While Tully is more quiet and introverted compared to Yvonne, her presence in the story reinforces the theme of loyalty and authenticity. Tully may not be as vocal or outgoing, but she embodies the quiet strength of the Stanley Girls’ group, offering Lucy a different perspective on how to exist in the privileged environment of Laurinda. Her friendship with Lucy, along with Yvonne and Ivy, creates a network of support that helps Lucy feel less isolated in the school.

• Key traits: Quiet, loyal, dependable.

The Stanley Girls' Role in the Story

The Stanley Girls—Yvonne, Ivy, and Tully—serve as a foil to the Cabinet. While the Cabinet represents manipulation, privilege, and superficiality, the Stanley Girls symbolize authenticity, loyalty, and integrity. Their friendships with Lucy are based on mutual respect and shared values, as opposed to the power games and manipulation seen in the Cabinet’s interactions. They provide Lucy with a sense of belonging that is rooted in sincerity, helping her stay grounded and true to herself despite the pressures to conform to Laurinda's elitist culture.

Themes Reflected in Their Characters:

• Class and Identity: The Stanley Girls, like Lucy, come from working-class backgrounds, and they don't hide or feel ashamed of their upbringing. They help highlight the class divide at Laurinda and challenge the idea that wealth and privilege are necessary for success.
• Authenticity vs. Conformity: Through their characters, Yvonne, Ivy, and Tully show that it’s possible to succeed in an elite environment without sacrificing one’s identity or values. They represent the importance of staying authentic in the face of societal pressure to conform.
• Female Friendship and Solidarity: The Stanley Girls’ friendship with Lucy shows the power of supportive, genuine relationships. Unlike the toxic dynamic of the Cabinet, their bond is based on trust and loyalty, offering Lucy a safe space to be herself.

In conclusion, Yvonne, Ivy, and Tully play a significant role in Laurinda as they represent the power of authenticity, the strength of working-class identity, and the importance of true friendship in a world dominated by privilege and power. Through their support, Lucy is able to remain grounded and navigate the pressures of Laurinda without losing herself.

Warwick Lam, Lucy’s father in Laurinda by Alice Pung, plays a more understated role in the novel compared to her mother, Quyen, but he is still a significant figure in Lucy’s life. His character helps to highlight key themes related to the immigrant experience, family dynamics, and the traditional gender roles often present in immigrant families.

Key Aspects of Warwick Lam’s Character:

1. Quiet Resilience and Work Ethic
   Warwick is portrayed as a hardworking man who, like Quyen, sacrifices for the well-being of his family. However, his role is more in the background. He works multiple jobs, often as a handyman, doing whatever is necessary to support his family. While his contributions are less visible compared to Quyen’s, his quiet dedication to his family mirrors the immigrant struggle for financial stability. He represents the silent backbone of the family, working without complaint and doing his part to help them succeed.
2. Traditional Gender Role
   Warwick’s character reflects traditional views on gender roles within immigrant families, where the father is often seen as the provider. He works hard but leaves much of the emotional care and family management to Quyen. This dynamic creates a sense of distance between Warwick and Lucy, as he tends to remain in the background of family life, fulfilling his duties as the breadwinner but not deeply involved in the emotional or personal aspects of Lucy’s world.
3. Emotional Distance
   There is a noticeable emotional distance between Warwick and Lucy, similar to the gap between Lucy and her mother. Warwick is less involved in Lucy’s personal life, her struggles at Laurinda, or the social pressures she faces at the school. His quiet presence contrasts with the stronger influence of Quyen, and his lack of involvement in the household’s day-to-day dynamics further emphasizes the gap between Lucy and her father. However, this emotional distance is not due to a lack of care, but rather a reflection of his role as the silent, steady figure of support.
4. Cultural and Generational Gap
   Warwick’s character also highlights the generational and cultural divide between immigrant parents and their children. He, like Quyen, is deeply connected to the traditional values and work ethic of their Vietnamese background, and he has high expectations for Lucy to succeed academically. However, his quiet nature and traditional mindset create a barrier between him and Lucy, who is navigating a very different world at Laurinda. Warwick is not as vocal or involved in expressing his thoughts, which sometimes makes Lucy feel more isolated from him as she deals with the pressures of school.
5. Unwavering Support
   Despite his quiet demeanor and emotional distance, Warwick is still a figure of support in Lucy’s life. His tireless work ethic and sacrifices reflect his deep love for his family, even if he does not express it openly. His presence is steady and reliable, and Lucy knows that her father’s hard work is one of the reasons she is able to attend Laurinda. Warwick’s quiet support, though less visible, is essential to the family’s survival and to Lucy’s journey in navigating the elite world of Laurinda.

Themes Reflected in Warwick’s Character:

• The Immigrant Struggle: Warwick’s life of hard work and sacrifice embodies the immigrant experience of starting over in a new country, working hard for a better future for the next generation.
• Traditional Family Dynamics: His role in the family highlights traditional gender roles, where the father is the provider and often remains emotionally distant, focusing on material needs rather than emotional connections.
• Generational and Cultural Divide: Warwick’s traditional views and quiet presence underscore the gap between immigrant parents and their children, particularly when the children are navigating vastly different social and cultural landscapes.

Warwick’s Influence on Lucy:

Though not as directly involved in Lucy’s life at Laurinda as her mother, Warwick represents the stability and quiet strength that allow Lucy to attend an elite school and strive for success. His sacrifices, though less visible, are a constant reminder to Lucy of the importance of hard work and perseverance. His quiet nature and emotional distance leave Lucy feeling somewhat isolated, but he is still a key part of the family’s support system, which helps Lucy stay grounded amid the pressures of her new world.

In conclusion, Warwick Lam is a quiet, hardworking, and emotionally distant figure who plays a vital role in supporting his family behind the scenes. His character emphasizes the themes of sacrifice, traditional family roles, and the immigrant experience, serving as a steady, if somewhat distant, influence in Lucy’s journey of self-discovery in Laurinda.

Katie, one of Lucy Lam’s classmates in Laurinda by Alice Pung, represents a character caught between the allure of power and the desire to fit in. While she is not part of the ruling trio, the Cabinet, her actions reflect the pressures of conformity and social survival within Laurinda’s elite environment.

Key Aspects of Katie’s Character:

1. Conformity and Desire for Acceptance
   Katie is portrayed as someone who craves acceptance and recognition within Laurinda’s strict social hierarchy. Although she is not a dominant figure like the girls in the Cabinet, Katie aligns herself with them, often seeking their approval. This need for acceptance makes her more likely to follow rather than lead, and she goes along with the Cabinet’s actions, even when it means ignoring their bullying and manipulation. Her desire to fit in reflects the broader theme of social pressure and the lengths some students will go to secure their place in a competitive, privileged environment.
2. Moral Ambiguity
   Katie’s character is marked by moral ambiguity. She is not outwardly cruel or malicious, but her willingness to turn a blind eye to the Cabinet’s actions shows a compromise in her values. Katie represents the kind of passive complicity that allows toxic behaviours to flourish. While she doesn’t directly participate in bullying, she also doesn’t stand up for what’s right. This reflects the challenges many students face in environments like Laurinda, where standing up to those in power can come at a high personal cost.
3. Insecurity and Vulnerability
   Katie’s behaviour is driven in part by her own insecurities. She is aware that she is not as powerful or socially influential as the Cabinet, which makes her vulnerable to their influence. Her desire to belong and avoid becoming a target herself leads her to prioritize self-preservation over standing up for others. Katie’s vulnerability underscores the theme of insecurity that runs throughout the novel, especially in how students from different backgrounds navigate Laurinda’s elitism and social divisions.
4. Influence on Lucy
   Katie’s character provides an important contrast to Lucy. While Lucy struggles to maintain her integrity and identity in the face of the Cabinet’s influence, Katie represents what happens when someone succumbs to the pressures of conformity. Her choices highlight the difficult decisions Lucy faces—whether to blend in for the sake of survival or to resist and stay true to herself. Katie’s passive role in the school’s power dynamics helps Lucy see more clearly the risks of compromising her own values.

Themes Reflected in Katie’s Character:

• Conformity vs. Integrity: Katie embodies the theme of conformity and the struggle to maintain integrity in the face of social pressure. She shows how difficult it is to resist the influence of powerful social groups, especially in an environment like Laurinda.
• Complicity and Silence: Katie’s reluctance to stand up against the Cabinet’s behaviour highlights the theme of complicity. Her silence allows the toxic dynamics of the school to continue unchecked, emphasizing the dangers of not speaking out.
• Social Hierarchies and Insecurity: Katie’s behaviour reflects the deep insecurities that come with trying to navigate an elite institution. Her fear of being marginalized leads her to align with the powerful, even at the cost of her own values.

Conclusion:

Katie’s character serves as a reflection of the pressures to conform in environments like Laurinda, where social standing and power play significant roles in shaping students’ behaviour. Her passive complicity and desire for acceptance contrast sharply with Lucy’s struggle to maintain her sense of self, and Katie’s choices serve as a warning about the dangers of losing oneself in the pursuit of fitting in. While not overtly malicious, Katie’s actions highlight the broader themes of privilege, power, and the moral compromises students often face in such environments.

In Laurinda by Alice Pung, the Cabinet is a trio of powerful, manipulative girls who dominate the social and academic life at Laurinda Ladies' College. The Cabinet functions almost like a secret society within the school, wielding influence over both students and teachers. The members—Amber, Chelsea, and Brodie—use their wealth, charm, and status to control those around them, often engaging in cruel, underhanded tactics to maintain their power.

Key Aspects of the Cabinet's Character:

1. Manipulative Power and Control
   The Cabinet thrives on controlling others, using their influence to bully and manipulate both their peers and some teachers. They enforce a toxic social hierarchy at Laurinda, often through subtle and psychological forms of bullying, rather than outright aggression. They carefully orchestrate social situations to benefit themselves and maintain their status. Their ability to manipulate people and situations makes them feared by many, including staff members, highlighting how deeply entrenched their control is.
2. Superficial Charm and Privilege
   On the surface, the girls in the Cabinet appear charming, privileged, and well-behaved, which allows them to maintain their power without arousing much suspicion. Their charm masks the harm they cause behind the scenes. Because they come from wealthy and influential families, they feel untouchable, confident that their status will shield them from any consequences. This sense of entitlement is central to how they operate at Laurinda.
3. Emotional and Psychological Bullying
   Rather than direct physical bullying, the Cabinet engages in emotional manipulation, isolating students who don’t conform to their expectations or don’t fit their mold of popularity and success. They use gossip, exclusion, and mind games to maintain control. For instance, they frequently target weaker students, taking pleasure in exploiting their vulnerabilities while appearing innocent to teachers and outsiders.
4. Targeting Vulnerable Individuals
   The Cabinet often picks on students who are different, vulnerable, or who threaten their dominance. When Lucy Lam, a scholarship student from a working-class background, enters Laurinda, the Cabinet immediately takes an interest in her. They see Lucy’s outsider status as something they can exploit, trying to co-opt her into their circle. However, their interest in her is not out of friendship, but rather to manipulate and control her, just as they do with others.
5. Lack of Empathy and Accountability
   One of the Cabinet’s defining traits is their lack of empathy. They see their classmates and even some teachers as tools to be used for their own benefit, rather than people with feelings. Their actions are driven by self-interest, and they rarely, if ever, take responsibility for the harm they cause. They remain detached from the consequences of their behavior, assuming their privilege will protect them.
6. Symbolism of Corruption and Elitism
   The Cabinet symbolizes the toxic culture of elitism at Laurinda, where wealth and status allow some individuals to act without regard for others. They represent the darker side of privilege—how it can lead to corruption and a lack of moral accountability. Their behavior also reflects the pressures within elite institutions to conform, to be ruthless in maintaining social standing, and to silence dissent or difference.

Themes Reflected in the Cabinet’s Character:

• Power and Privilege: The Cabinet uses their social and economic privilege to dominate others, reflecting the theme of how power can corrupt and create toxic environments.
• Bullying and Peer Pressure: The Cabinet’s actions highlight the effects of bullying, particularly emotional and psychological bullying, and the way peer pressure can influence behavior in toxic social settings.
• Class and Exclusion: By targeting Lucy and others who don’t fit into their privileged world, the Cabinet embodies the social divide between those who are wealthy and those who are not, exploring themes of class and exclusion.
• Identity and Integrity: The Cabinet’s attempts to manipulate Lucy challenge her sense of identity and values, as she must decide whether to conform to their toxic behavior or remain true to herself.

Individual Members:

• Amber: Often seen as the ringleader of the Cabinet, Amber is the most manipulative and controlling of the group. She has a sharp, calculating mind and takes pleasure in orchestrating the group’s schemes.
• Chelsea: Chelsea is quieter but just as complicit in the Cabinet’s actions. She is more likely to follow Amber’s lead but still enjoys the power and influence the group holds.
• Brodie: Brodie is the third member of the Cabinet and, like Chelsea, supports Amber’s plans. She adds to the group’s power by providing her own unique contributions to their schemes, though she is less outspoken.

In Laurinda, the Cabinet serves as a symbol of the toxic, elitist culture that pervades the school. Through their manipulation and control, they challenge Lucy's sense of self, pushing her to stand up for her own values and resist their influence.

In Laurinda, Quyen Lam, Lucy’s mother, plays a vital role in shaping Lucy’s values, identity, and worldview. As an immigrant from Vietnam, Quyen represents the struggles and resilience of the working-class immigrant experience in Australia. Her character serves as a grounding influence for Lucy throughout the novel, emphasising themes of family, sacrifice, and cultural identity.

Key Aspects of Quyen Lam’s Character:

1. Resilience and Hard Work
   Quyen embodies the immigrant work ethic, tirelessly working to support her family and provide better opportunities for her children. Her sacrifices are central to Lucy’s understanding of the importance of education and hard work. Quyen’s dedication to her job in a sewing factory, despite the physical toll it takes on her, demonstrates her resilience and determination to improve her family’s situation. This resilience inspires Lucy, but it also adds to Lucy’s internal conflict as she enters the privileged world of Laurinda, where such struggles are invisible or trivialized.
2. Cultural Identity and Values
   Quyen is deeply connected to her Vietnamese heritage, which influences the values she instills in Lucy—particularly humility, respect, and the importance of family. She encourages Lucy to stay true to her roots and reminds her of the sacrifices the family has made. Quyen’s traditional views often contrast with the elite, Westernized environment of Laurinda, highlighting the cultural clash that Lucy navigates throughout the novel. Lucy’s mother represents a source of cultural pride, but also pressure, as Lucy feels the weight of her family’s expectations in her pursuit of success.
3. Practicality and Frugality
   Quyen is highly pragmatic, which reflects her experiences as an immigrant trying to make ends meet in a foreign country. Her frugality is not just a financial necessity but a way of life that reinforces the value of hard work and sacrifice. This attitude contrasts sharply with the extravagance and entitlement of the Laurinda students, further deepening Lucy’s feelings of being an outsider. Quyen’s practicality often causes tension with Lucy, especially as Lucy becomes more aware of the social differences between her home life and the lives of her classmates.
4. Protective and Supportive
   While Quyen may seem strict or critical at times, her actions are motivated by a desire to protect Lucy and give her a better future. She places great importance on education as the key to escaping poverty and securing a stable life, which is why she pushes Lucy to succeed at Laurinda. Though she doesn’t fully understand the social dynamics Lucy faces at school, Quyen is always there for her daughter, offering support in the form of practical advice and reminders of the family’s collective goal of self-improvement.
5. Emotional Distance
   There is a degree of emotional distance between Quyen and Lucy, rooted in the generational and cultural gap between them. Quyen’s focus on survival and hard work leaves little room for the kind of emotional nurturing that Lucy might find from other mothers. This distance is further widened by the different worlds they inhabit—Quyen’s world of labor and sacrifice versus the privileged, opportunity-filled world Lucy encounters at Laurinda. Despite this, Quyen’s love for Lucy is evident in her actions and the sacrifices she makes, even if it is not always expressed in a warm or openly affectionate way.

Themes Reflected in Quyen’s Character:

• Sacrifice and Family Duty: Quyen’s character underscores the theme of sacrifice, especially the immigrant experience of putting family first and striving for a better future, even at great personal cost.
• Cultural Identity: Quyen represents the tension between maintaining cultural heritage and adapting to new societal expectations, a struggle Lucy faces as she navigates life at Laurinda.
• Class and Privilege: Quyen’s modest, hardworking lifestyle starkly contrasts with the privilege and wealth at Laurinda, highlighting the class differences that Lucy grapples with in the novel.

Quyen’s Influence on Lucy:

Quyen is a constant reminder to Lucy of her roots and the importance of staying grounded, even as Lucy is exposed to a new world of wealth and opportunity. While Lucy sometimes feels the pressure of her mother’s expectations, Quyen’s strength and perseverance inspire Lucy to remain resilient and true to herself. Their relationship represents the broader immigrant experience of balancing old traditions with new possibilities, as well as the push-and-pull between familial duty and personal aspirations.

In conclusion, Quyen Lam is a strong, pragmatic, and resilient figure who serves as a guiding force in Lucy’s life. Her character provides a critical perspective on class, culture, and the immigrant experience in Laurinda, while also shaping Lucy’s journey of self-discovery and identity.

Mrs. Leslie, a teacher at Laurinda Ladies' College, plays an important role in shaping Lucy Lam’s experience at the elite school. She is one of the key adult figures in Laurinda, and her character reflects the themes of power, privilege, and complicity within the institution. Through Mrs. Leslie, Alice Pung explores the complex dynamics between teachers and students in a highly hierarchical and competitive environment.

Key Aspects of Mrs. Leslie’s Character:

1. Complicity with the Cabinet’s Power
   Mrs. Leslie often turns a blind eye to the manipulative and bullying behaviour of the Cabinet, the trio of powerful girls who control much of the social dynamics at Laurinda. Rather than actively intervening to stop their behaviour, she enables it through her inaction, showing a reluctance to challenge the students who wield significant influence in the school. Her failure to stand up to the Cabinet reveals the ways in which authority figures can perpetuate toxic environments by allowing certain students to act without consequence, especially those who come from privileged backgrounds.
2. Performative Support
   On the surface, Mrs. Leslie presents herself as someone who wants to support students, especially those like Lucy who come from less privileged backgrounds. She expresses concern for Lucy at times, but her actions reveal that her support is often more performative than genuine. Mrs. Leslie seems to care more about maintaining appearances and the school's reputation than actually addressing the underlying issues of inequality and bullying. This performative behaviour reflects the broader theme of how institutions can give the illusion of care and inclusivity without truly addressing structural problems.
3. Alignment with Privilege
   As a teacher at Laurinda, Mrs. Leslie aligns herself with the school’s culture of privilege. She rarely challenges the status quo, and her reluctance to disrupt the power dynamics at play highlights her complicity in maintaining the school’s elite structure. While she may occasionally show sympathy for students like Lucy, she ultimately serves as part of the institution that upholds the values of wealth, power, and exclusivity. Her alignment with the privileged students like the Cabinet suggests that she values conformity and upholding tradition over justice or fairness.
4. Lack of True Authority
   Despite her position as a teacher, Mrs. Leslie often seems powerless in the face of the Cabinet’s influence. The Cabinet, with their wealth and social power, holds more sway over the school than the teachers do, and Mrs. Leslie’s passivity reflects this imbalance. Her inability to assert control over the students or challenge their behaviour highlights the limits of her authority within Laurinda’s hierarchy, where students from powerful families can undermine even the adults meant to guide them.
5. Impact on Lucy’s Development
   Mrs. Leslie’s complicity and performative support contribute to Lucy’s feelings of isolation and frustration at Laurinda. While Lucy initially hopes that teachers like Mrs. Leslie might offer guidance or protection from the Cabinet, she quickly realizes that Mrs. Leslie is more concerned with maintaining her position and the school’s reputation than advocating for students like Lucy. This disillusionment forces Lucy to rely more on her own moral compass and inner strength as she navigates the challenges of Laurinda, shaping her development throughout the novel.

Themes Reflected in Mrs. Leslie’s Character:

• Power and Privilege: Mrs. Leslie embodies the power structures at Laurinda, where those with privilege, like the Cabinet, are allowed to operate unchecked, while authority figures like Mrs. Leslie either support or fail to challenge them.
• Complicity and Inaction: Her character illustrates how inaction from those in authority can enable toxic behaviour and contribute to a culture of bullying and exclusion.
• Class and Inequality: Mrs. Leslie’s treatment of Lucy highlights the class divide at Laurinda. While she expresses concern for Lucy, her failure to act meaningfully reflects the ways in which the school’s culture favours the privileged and marginalizes students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Mrs. Leslie’s Role in the Story:

In Laurinda, Mrs. Leslie serves as a representation of the institution itself—an outwardly respectable figure who nonetheless allows harmful power dynamics to flourish. Her failure to address the Cabinet’s behaviour reinforces the elitism and inequality that define the school’s social structure. For Lucy, Mrs. Leslie represents the disillusionment with authority figures who are supposed to provide guidance but ultimately prioritize their own interests or the status quo.

Conclusion:

Mrs. Leslie’s character serves as a critical reflection of the power dynamics at Laurinda Ladies' College. Her complicity with the Cabinet and her performative support for students like Lucy underscore the novel’s exploration of privilege, inequality, and the failures of authority within elite institutions. Through Mrs. Leslie, Alice Pung shows how those in power can perpetuate harmful systems through inaction, leaving students like Lucy to navigate these challenges on their own.