Aurora Floyd · Question
How does Aurora Floyd develop the theme of Love vs. Duty?
Answer
Aurora Floyd by M. E. Braddon develops Love vs. Duty across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Characters struggle between romantic love and societal or familial duty, exemplified by Talbot Bulstrode's conflict between his pride and his passion for Aurora, and John Mellish's unconditional devotion.
Talbot struggles between his attraction to Aurora and his rational ideal of a dutiful, gentle wife like Lucy.
Talbot struggles between his passion for Aurora and his sense of duty and suspicion.
Talbot Bulstrode grapples with his love for Aurora and the duty he feels toward Lucy Floyd, whose secret affection for him is revealed. He also prays earnestly in church, fearing his happiness may be too great.
Evidence in the book
- After the Ball
Talbot struggles between his attraction to Aurora and his rational ideal of a dutiful, gentle wife like Lucy.
- Rejected and Accepted
Talbot struggles between his passion for Aurora and his sense of duty and suspicion.
- Poor John Mellish Comes Back Again
Talbot Bulstrode grapples with his love for Aurora and the duty he feels toward Lucy Floyd, whose secret affection for him is revealed. He also prays earnestly in church, fearing his happiness may be too great.
- How Talbot Bulstrode Spent His Christmas
Talbot's sense of honour and duty compels him to break off the engagement despite his deep love for Aurora.
- Fighting the Battle
Aurora and Talbot are separated by duty and pride, while John Mellish's love is tempered by his duty to respect Aurora's feelings.
- At the Château d’Arques
Aurora struggles between her lingering feelings for Talbot and her sense of duty to her father and to John Mellish, who has been so devoted.
- The Spring Meeting
Aurora's love for John Mellish contrasts with her past attachment to Talbot Bulstrode, highlighting the tension between romantic love and marital duty.
- Love Took Up the Glass of Time, and Turned It in His Glowing Hands
Talbot struggles between his lingering love for Aurora and his duty to move on, ultimately choosing a practical marriage with Lucy.
