# Love and Selflessness in A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder

> Theme guide for A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder by James De Mille.

Love is expressed through self-denial and willingness to die for another, as seen in Adam More's devotion to Almah, while the Kosekin idealize unrequited love and separation as the highest forms of affection.

## Where it surfaces

- [IX: The Cavern of the Dead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/ix-the-cavern-of-the-dead): The narrator's desire to help Almah with her repugnant task demonstrates his growing love and selfless concern for her.
- [XIV: I Learn My Doom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/xiv-i-learn-my-doom): The narrator's love for Almah deepens during her illness; their mutual love is both a source of happiness and the cause of their doom.
- [The Kohen Is Inexorable](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/xv-the-kohen-is-inexorable): The Kohen defines love as utter self-surrender and abnegation, contrasting sharply with the narrator's view of love as requited union, highlighting the theme's cultural construction.
- [XVIII: A Voyage Over the Pole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/xviii-a-voyage-over-the-pole): The narrator and Almah's mutual willingness to die for each other exemplifies selfless love, which the Kohen interprets as alignment with Kosekin values.
- [XX: The Dark Maiden Layelah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/xx-the-dark-maiden-layelah): The narrator's willingness to die with Almah rather than save himself alone exemplifies selfless love, while Layelah's offer to save him reflects a possessive form of love.
- [XXI: The Flying Monster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/xxi-the-flying-monster): The narrator's willingness to stay and die with Almah rather than escape alone demonstrates selfless love.
- [Escape](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/xxii-escape): The narrator remains faithful to Almah despite Layelah's persistent advances, and Almah willingly risks everything for their shared future.
- [XXIV: Recapture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/xxiv-recapture): The narrator's refusal to abandon Almah, even to save her life, highlights selfless love. Layelah's offer of separation as a 'blessing' contrasts Kosekin and Western views of love and sacrifice.
- [Falling, Like Icarus, Into the Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/xxv-falling-like-icarus-into-the-sea): The narrator's thoughts of Almah's safety and Layelah's devotion highlight selfless love; Almah's rescue mission underscores her care.
- [XXIX: The Ceremony of Separation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/xxix-the-ceremony-of-separation): Almah initiates the separation ceremony hoping to save the narrator's life, and the narrator embraces her despite the grim circumstances, showing selfless love.
- [XXX: The Day of Sacrifice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/xxx-the-day-of-sacrifice): The narrator risks his life to save Almah, shooting the hag and standing in front of her to defend her.
- [XXXI: Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/xxxi-conclusion): The narrator and Almah's union is confirmed; Almah's reforms are framed as self-sacrifice for the people.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/themes/love_and_selflessness
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/themes