# Romance and Infatuation in Just William

> Theme guide for Just William by Richmal Crompton.

Romantic love is treated comically through characters like Robert, Ethel, and William's own crushes, often involving absurd schemes (e.g., white rats) and misunderstandings.

## Where it surfaces

- [William the Intruder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_william_se/chapters/ii-william-the-intruder): Robert's infatuation with Miss Cannon is comically thwarted by William's innocent intrusions, while Miss Cannon herself seems more charmed by William than by Robert.
- [IV: The Fall of the Idol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_william_se/chapters/iv-the-fall-of-the-idol): William's sudden crush on Miss Drew drives his actions, from stealing flowers to feigning interest in lessons.
- [The Best Laid Plans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_william_se/chapters/xi-the-best-laid-plans): Mr. French's infatuation with Ethel drives him to bribe William and endure the rat disasters.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_william_se/chapters/i): Mr. French's infatuation with Ethel drives the plot, leading to his bribery of William.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_william_se/themes/romance_and_infatuation
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_william_se/themes