Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories · Question
How does Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories develop the theme of Love and Sacrifice?
Answer
Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories by Oscar Wilde develops Love and Sacrifice across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Lord Arthur's willingness to commit murder for Sybil's sake, and his secret self-sacrifice, highlight the theme of love as a driving force that justifies extreme actions.
Arthur's suffering for Sybil's sake is rewarded with lasting happiness and family.
Virginia's willingness to help the Ghost, despite fear, embodies love and self-sacrifice.
The Duke's devotion and Virginia's compassionate act of praying for the ghost's forgiveness.
Evidence in the book
- Chapter VI
Arthur's suffering for Sybil's sake is rewarded with lasting happiness and family.
- V
Virginia's willingness to help the Ghost, despite fear, embodies love and self-sacrifice.
- Chapter VI
The Duke's devotion and Virginia's compassionate act of praying for the ghost's forgiveness.
- VII
Virginia's love for the ghost leads her to lay a cross on his grave, and her love for the Duke is central to the chapter's resolution.
- The Sphinx Without a Secret
Lord Murchison's love drives him to obsessive pursuit, yet his inability to trust leads to tragedy.
