Betrayal and Trust

Themes of betrayal permeate the relationships, with Robert's secret wooing of Bertha, Richard's knowledge of it, and the characters' struggles with honesty, trust, and the consequences of hidden desires.

Richard confesses his longing to be betrayed by Robert and Bertha, while Robert's secret plans and confessions test the bonds of friendship and marriage.

Bertha accuses Richard of betraying her by urging her to meet Robert, while Richard feels betrayed by Bertha's potential infidelity.