 Nan not only experiences a series of misadventures and lesbian relationships , but also shifts from female to male at the same time , giving the reader an opportunity to view London society from multiple perspectives . Gender masquerade and reaction to it permeates the novel . According to Harriet Malinowitz , Waters uses the symbolism of clothing such as skirts , pants , stays , braces , bonnets , ties , and chemises " with the sort of metaphorical significance that Melville gives to whales " . Stefania Ciocia declares that in all of 19th century English literature , the only type of character who was able to enjoy adventures native to the picaresque novel were males who acted as the observer or stroller , walking through the city from one district to the next . The single exception to this was Moll Flanders , a prostitute . Nancy Astley behaves as both , giving her the ability to offer her perceptions of London society as both a man and a woman . 
