In "Rainbow Valley" by L.M. Montgomery, a conspicuous social dynamic unfolds around the character known as the handmaiden of the Blythe family at Ingleside. She consistently refers to Mrs. Marshall Elliott with an exaggerated emphasis, highlighting her status and perhaps her own sense of worth within the social hierarchy. This recurring emphasis suggests a deeper commentary on social class and the relationships between characters, underlining the handmaiden's perception of her world.
The way she addresses Mrs. Marshall Elliott with such pointed emphasis serves not just as a descriptor of their relationship, but also reveals nuances of pride and resentment. It implies a contrast between the lives of those in service and their employers, illustrating the complexities that accompany such relationships. Through this character's actions, Montgomery vividly portrays the intricacies of social interaction and the layers of meaning within seemingly simple exchanges.