Fingersmith, 2005, BBC Drama Sexuality

One way in which editing was used within this extract was through a dissolve. An example of this is when Maud is getting her hand licked by her male admirer, and there is a close up of her facial expression of disgust. It then dissolves to the other girl undressing and showing her back. The use of the dissolve suggests that the two scenes are linked and that they represent Maud's thoughts at this point. This makes the audience realise that Maud fantasises about the other girl, which implies that lesbian relationships are about fantasies and desires of lust.

In contrast to this, when the man is in the shot the diegetic sound changes from classical piano and violin to now discordant and tense. Additionally, the use of the body language which he portrays is violent and physical. For example, when he pushes her against the tree and holds her. This suggests that heterosexual relationships are all about dominance and violence, whereas lesbian relationships are more peaceful and caring between one another. This is reinforced through the use of the dialogue, "Wake her, she'll burn" suggesting that they care about each other.

The use of the lighting inside where the two girls are alone together is always dark and candlelit, whereas when they are outside it is naturally lit and the lighting is bright. This implies that lesbian relationships at this time were forbidden and have to be a secret.  Furthermore, the positioning of the frame when the man comes between the two girls and he is standing higher in the frame, this reinforces that heterosexuality is all about being dominant and demanding and is the norm of society at this time.

The use of the slow tracking shot when Maud and the other lady are in the setting of the bedroom and the use of the gesture when Maud is contemplating whether to touch the other lady or not. This suggests that lesbian relationships are not all about physicality but also reinforces the forbidden love and also the unrequited love which is suggested in this extract. The prop of the glove which she is wearing also implies that lesbian relationships are repressed and hidden away from society as they were not acceptable during this time period of the Victorian Era.

The hyperbolic and enhanced sound of the heavy breathing and the rustle of the silk dress suggests intimacy between lesbians but also that lesbians share a emotional relationship. The costume and props portray the idea that lesbianism is also about appreciating the art and literature of the world and applying it to their relationship. For example, when Maud is painting the woman she is appreciating every part of her. The eye-line match from Maud to the other lady's breasts represents that lesbianism love is also about the physicality of others and the intimacy between them.