# Love and Obsession in Hand and Ring

> Theme guide for Hand and Ring by Anna Katharine Green.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [IV: Imogene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/xvi-storm): Imogene's love for Mansell is evident in her anguish and her vow, despite the 'line of blood' between them.
- [A Crisis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/xx-a-crisis): Orcutt's obsessive love for Imogene leads him to offer marriage, but his integrity as a lawyer takes precedence.
- [Mr. Orcutt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/xxiii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/xxiv-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!”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/xxvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/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.
- [A Late Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/xxxiii-a-late-discovery): Imogene's intense emotional outburst reveals a deep, personal connection to the accused, and her torment is driven by the conflict between her love and her duty to the truth.
- [What Was Hid Behind Imogene’s Veil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/xxxiv-what-was-hid-behind-imogene-s-veil): Imogene's confession is portrayed as an act driven by love and madness, as she chooses to sacrifice herself rather than see her lover condemned, highlighting the consuming power of her feelings.
- [XXXVII: Under the Great Tree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/xxxvii-under-the-great-tree): Orcutt's jealous reaction to Imogene's confession reveals his obsessive love for her, which is now mingled with bitterness and a desire to hurt her.
- [The Widow Clemmens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/xliv-the-widow-clemmens): The widow's obsessive watch over Orcutt and her refusal to let him go ultimately lead to her death.
- [XLV: Mr. Gryce Says Goodbye](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/xlv-mr-gryce-says-goodbye): Imogene's love for Mansell is tempered by her belief that she is unworthy; Mansell's persistence suggests a love that overcomes obstacles.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/themes/love_and_obsession
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hand_and_ring_se/themes