This is the tale of Clytie Davenant. It details her sheltered country upbringing, rebellion from her family and subsequent training as an artist at the Slade. She lives a bohemian lifestyle within the constraints of her 1890's society. Her awakening passions, poor choice of marriage and the effects of her life has an effect upon her art. This novel highlights the position of women in marriage and the restrictive divorce laws. It shows the ostracization that a woman faced if she left the marriage and more if she subsequently lived under another man's roof.