# Love and Marriage in Manhattan Transfer

> Theme guide for Manhattan Transfer by John Dos Passos.

Romantic relationships and marriages are portrayed as fraught with disappointment, manipulation, and transactional motives—Ellen's divorce, Baldwin's pursuit, and the suffocating marriage of John and Elaine all illustrate failed or hollow connections.

## Where it surfaces

- [I: Great Lady on a White Horse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/chapters/i-great-lady-on-a-white-horse): Ellen's strained marriage to Jojo and her flirtation with George Baldwin highlight themes of marital dissatisfaction and romantic negotiation.
- [III: Nine Days' Wonder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/chapters/iii-nine-days-wonder): George and Cecily Baldwin's marriage is exposed as a transactional arrangement based on social position; Ellen Thatcher announces her divorce from Jojo, highlighting the fragility of marital bonds.
- [IV: Fire Engine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/chapters/iv-fire-engine): Harry Goldweiser's marriage proposal and Ellen's discomfort highlight the transactional and oppressive aspects of romantic pursuit.
- [VI: Five Statutory Questions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/chapters/vi-five-statutory-questions): Stan Emery's impulsive marriage to Pearline and Harry Goldweiser's proposal to Ellen highlight contrasting views on marriage.
- [III: Revolving Doors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/chapters/iii-revolving-doors): The Herfs' marriage is strained by incompatible schedules and emotional distance; Baldwin's affair ends in farce.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/themes/love_and_marriage
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/themes