# Friendship and Loyalty in Man and Wife

> Theme guide for Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins.

The enduring bond between Blanche and Anne, established in their youth, contrasts with the betrayals of romantic partners, highlighting the theme of female solidarity as a source of strength and hope.

## Where it surfaces

- [Parting of Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/i): The chapter centers on the deep emotional bond and vows of eternal friendship between Blanche and Anne, despite their impending separation.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/iii): Kendrew's renunciation of Vanborough underscores the theme of loyalty, as he cannot abide Vanborough's moral failure.
- [The March of Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/ii-the-march-of-time): Lady Lundie's unwavering loyalty to her friend Anne Silvester and her promise to care for the child, as well as Anne's promise to be a sister to Blanche, underscore the theme of friendship and loyalty.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/viii): The deep bond between Anne and Blanche is emphasized, and Lady Lundie's request for Anne to be a sister to Blanche underscores the theme of enduring loyalty.
- [III: The Discoveries](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/iii-the-discoveries): Blanche's open-hearted loyalty to Anne contrasts with Anne's secret distress; Arnold's staunch defense of Geoffrey Delamayn is met with Sir Patrick's skeptical warnings about misplaced trust.
- [VII: The Debt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/vii-the-debt): Arnold's loyalty to Geoffrey is tested as he agrees to a morally dubious task out of gratitude for Geoffrey saving his life.
- [XI: Sir Patrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xi-sir-patrick): Blanche's affectionate message and Anne's concern for Blanche's well-being highlight their bond.
- [Blanche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xiii-blanche): Anne's loyalty to Blanche is tested as she struggles to protect her friend from the painful truth, while Blanche's trust in Anne remains unshaken.
- [XVII: Near It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xvii-near-it): Arnold shows loyalty to Anne and Geoffrey, but Geoffrey's selfishness strains their friendship.
- [XXI: Done!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxi-done): Blanche's unwavering devotion to Anne is highlighted as she waits for her, comforts her, and tries to protect her from further harm.
- [XXII: Gone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxii-gone): Blanche's deep concern for Anne and her efforts to help her despite Anne's evasiveness.
- [Traced](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxiii-traced): Blanche's deep concern for Anne drives her to take an active role in the search, and Arnold's willingness to help reflects his loyalty to both Blanche and Geoffrey.
- [Backward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxiv-backward): Blanche's loyalty to Anne is tested as she learns the truth, while Sir Patrick's careful handling of the secret shows his protective loyalty.
- [XXV: Forward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxv-forward): Blanche's desperate concern for Anne and her impulsive confrontation highlight the deep bond and loyalty between them.
- [Dropped](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxvi-dropped): Arnold's silence to protect Anne's reputation and Blanche's happiness demonstrates loyalty despite personal cost.
- [XXVIII: Stifled](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxviii-stifled): Blanche's refusal to marry while grieving Anne's departure highlights her deep loyalty to her friend, even as Sir Patrick prioritizes her future happiness.
- [Seeds of the Future (Second Sowing)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxii-seeds-of-the-future-second-sowing): Blanche's persistent worry and search for Anne, despite warnings, demonstrates her loyalty to her friend.
- [XXXIV: The Night Before](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-night-before): Blanche's unwavering determination to reunite with Anne, despite the wedding and Sir Patrick's warnings, highlights the theme of loyalty.
- [XXXV: The Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxv-the-day): Blanche's insistence on not abandoning Anne, and Arnold's support for her loyalty, highlight the theme of friendship overriding social expectations.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/themes/friendship_and_loyalty
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/themes