Lolly Willowes or the Loving Huntsman by Sylvia Townsend Warner

The very first Book-of-the-Month club selection back in 1926, Lolly Willowes is a peculiar tale of an English maiden aunt who becomes a witch and follower of the devil (the eponymous Huntsman.) With its blatant departure from realism the tale is obviously meant to be taken as allegory. When Lolly emerges from the restrictions of proper English family life and attempts to go her own way, why does she fall into witchcraft? Is the Loving devil good or bad? Is a mature woman's departure from self-sacrifice good or bad? Is the devil the only thing that can propel women into personal self-expression? Is it evil for women to want to leave the family and pursue independence? Is life in the outside world just too dangerous for a single woman? It beats me.