It is true that Laura rejects marriage and the typical female role of the time, but she doesn't turn towards any other, more radical lifestyles. The unmarried "forward thinkers" of her time were creating art and making names for themselves, but joining them never even occurs to Lolly. She feels oppressed by masculine energy equates getting married to her death. Even so, the way that Laura rejects the few men that try to win her hand appears to be because she can't think of a single reason to get married, not because she has an overwhelming objection.
In Great Mop, Laura is presented with a view of open-ended, freewheeling sexuality. Dancing half naked with an entire village makes her feel exactly the same way that attending one of society's formal balls: awkward and out of place. She turns away from the sabbath just as she turns away from married life.
Laura Willowes shows no desire either for men or women throughout her life. Why, then, is this considered a lesbian novel?
Good question Tracy. I, too, have read the reviews that talk about it possibly being a lesbian novel. I think your reading of it--that marriage or being tied down to anyone (earthly, will call it) may be more stifling than simply being tied down to a man. I'm wondering if our reviewers find it strange, and thus difficult to conceive, as Laura's family did, that she simply wasn't interested in any kind of marriage that makes them think that she must then be a lesbian.
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