The character Caro in "The Transit of Venus" struggles to emerge from the darkness associated with Dora. This struggle represents a journey towards self-awareness, where Caro gains her morals and stability through hardship and personal effort, rather than through an inherent understanding of right and wrong. Unlike those who instinctively recognize the right path, her principles require deliberate thought and willpower to uphold.

Caro’s educational experience is marked by her confrontation with the darker aspects of life and relationships. This influence of Dora's character highlights how struggles can shape one's moral compass, emphasizing that true understanding of principles often comes from wresting with challenges rather than being sheltered from them.