Memoirs of a Midget · Question
How does Memoirs of a Midget develop the theme of Love and Obsession?
Answer
Memoirs of a Midget by Walter de la Mare develops Love and Obsession across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative explores intense, often destructive attachments—particularly the narrator's consuming, jealous love for Fanny and the tragic jealousy at Wanderslore—showing how love can become a fever that parches and blinds.
The narrator's intense, conflicting feelings for Fanny—hatred mixed with longing—foreshadow an obsessive fixation.
The narrator's intense longing for Fanny, jealousy, and self-hatred dominate the chapter, culminating in a bittersweet reunion.
The narrator's infatuation with Fanny is central, describing her beauty as haunting and her own love as a 'dream that remained a dream in spite of its intensifying resemblance to a nightmare.'
Evidence in the book
- XI
The narrator's intense, conflicting feelings for Fanny—hatred mixed with longing—foreshadow an obsessive fixation.
- XIII
The narrator's intense longing for Fanny, jealousy, and self-hatred dominate the chapter, culminating in a bittersweet reunion.
- XIV
The narrator's infatuation with Fanny is central, describing her beauty as haunting and her own love as a 'dream that remained a dream in spite of its intensifying resemblance to a nightmare.'
- XV
The narrator's intense devotion to Fanny, reading to her, and despair at her leaving.
- XVI
The narrator's consuming longing for Fanny is depicted as a fever that drains all other interests and causes self-reproach.
- XVIII
The narrator's intense feelings for Fanny, repeating 'I love you exceedingly,' and her obsessive reading of the letters illustrate this theme.
- XX
Mr. Crimble's intense, almost obsessive love for Fanny is evident in his letter and reactions; the narrator also grapples with her own feelings for Fanny.
- XXV
The Wanderslore story centers on a husband's jealous love driving his wife to suicide, illustrating the destructive power of obsession.
