Unrequited and Ambiguous Desire

Where it surfaces

• III: Cope Is "Entertained"

  Cope's mental letter to Arthur reveals his longing for Arthur's company, contrasting with the forced socializing with the young women.

• VI: Cope Dines—and Tells About It

  Cope's letter to Lemoyne is filled with longing and intimate details, suggesting a deep emotional bond and unspoken desire.

• VII: Cope Under Scrutiny

  Cope's intense longing for Lemoyne's presence and Randolph's lingering physical contact with Cope suggest unspoken emotional and romantic tensions.

• IX: Cope on the Edge of Things

  Cope's anxiety about being 'caught' by women hints at ambiguous feelings.

• Cope Amidst Cross-Purposes

  Both Cope and Randolph harbor unspoken desires for future domestic arrangements with another man—Cope with Lemoyne, Randolph with Cope—creating a triangle of unexpressed longing.

• XVII: Cope Among Crosscurrents

  Amy's romanticized view of the rescue contrasts with Cope's disinterest and discomfort, while Randolph probes Cope's feelings about marriage.

• XVIII: Cope at the Call of Duty

  Amy's idealization of Cope and Hortense's confrontational demand for attention both reflect ambiguous and unreciprocated feelings.

• XIX: Cope Finds Himself Committed

  Cope's fundamental repugnance to Amy's advances contrasts with her confident assumptions, highlighting his ambiguous feelings and her unrequited pursuit.

• XX: Cope Has a Distressful Christmas

  Cope is engaged to Amy but feels trapped and miserable, desiring escape rather than reciprocating her affection. Lemoyne's forceful insistence on breaking the engagement highlights the ambiguous nature of Cope's attachments.

• XXI: Cope, Safeguarded, Calls Again

  Lemoyne's proprietary gestures toward Cope and Mrs. Phillips' emotional reaction to Cope's singing suggest unspoken tensions.

• Cope Shall Be Rescued

  Cope's despair over Amy and his closeness with Lemoyne suggest ambiguous desires; Foster's bitter observations highlight unrequited longing.

• XXIII: Cope Regains His Freedom

  Cope's relief at ending his engagement to Amy contrasts with Lemoyne's possessive support, highlighting ambiguous emotional ties.

• XXIV: Cope in Danger Anew

  Mrs. Phillips' physical and emotional attentions toward Cope, along with Hortense's aggressive pursuit, create a web of ambiguous romantic and possessive desires.

• XXV: Cope in Double Danger

  Carolyn Thorpe's sonnets are interpreted as a passionate tribute to Cope, highlighting unreciprocated feelings; Cope's discomfort underscores the ambiguity of his own desires.

• XXVI: Cope as a Go-Between

  Foster's jealousy and bitterness, Hortense's frustrated pursuit of Cope, and the tense triangle between Randolph, Cope, and Lemoyne all reflect unreciprocated or ambiguous attractions.

• XXVII: Cope Escapes a Snare

  Hortense's unreciprocated romantic feelings for Cope are central; Cope's cold detachment and refusal to engage emotionally highlight the theme.

• Cope Absent from a Wedding

  Hortense's public cry for Bertram Cope at Amy's wedding reveals her unrequited feelings and creates scandal.

• XXXII: Cope Takes His Degree

  Randolph and Medora both seek Cope's attention and affection, but he remains indifferent, prioritizing his own plans.

• Cope in a Final View

  Carolyn's intense emotional response to Cope's brief letter highlights unrequited feelings, while Randolph speculates on Cope's bond with Lemoyne.