Hand and Ring · Question
How does Hand and Ring develop the theme of Love and Obsession?
Answer
Hand and Ring by Anna Katharine Green develops Love and Obsession across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Romantic attachment becomes intertwined with obsession and control, as seen in Mr. Orcutt's consuming passion for Imogene and the destructive effects of his devotion on his judgment and actions.
Mr. Orcutt's sudden and intense feelings for Imogene, which have transformed him from a cold man into one driven by passion, border on obsession as he seeks to possess her and uncover her secrets.
Imogene's love for Mansell is evident in her anguish and her vow, despite the 'line of blood' between them.
Orcutt's obsessive love for Imogene leads him to offer marriage, but his integrity as a lawyer takes precedence.
Evidence in the book
- IV: Imogene
Mr. Orcutt's sudden and intense feelings for Imogene, which have transformed him from a cold man into one driven by passion, border on obsession as he seeks to possess her and uncover her secrets.
- XVI: Storm
Imogene's love for Mansell is evident in her anguish and her vow, despite the 'line of blood' between them.
- A Crisis
Orcutt's obsessive love for Imogene leads him to offer marriage, but his integrity as a lawyer takes precedence.
- Mr. Orcutt
Orcutt's love for Imogene is intertwined with his professional actions, while Imogene's love for Mansell drives her to testify against him.
- A True Bill
Imogene's willingness to sacrifice herself for Mansell and Orcutt's conditional offer of help highlight the intense and sometimes destructive nature of love.
- XXVI: “He Shall Hear Me!”
Imogene's intense emotional reaction and her vow to make Mansell hear her, despite his rejection, highlight the obsessive nature of her love.
- The Great Trial
Byrd theorizes that Mansell's crime, if committed, was driven by passion or ambition, and that his contempt for Miss Dare reflects his inability to appreciate her sacrifice.
- XXVIII: The Chief Witness for the Prosecution
Orcutt's decision not to cross-examine Imogene, despite his rivalry with Mansell, highlights the complexity of his love and obsession.
