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Memoirs of a Midget · Theme

Love and Obsession

How Memoirs of a Midget develops Love and Obsession.

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.

Where it surfaces

  • 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.

  • XXVII

    The narrator's restless night and desperate search for the stranger reveal an obsessive attachment; Mr. Crimble's fixation on Fanny shows love as a consuming, unbalanced force.

  • XXXI

    Fanny's obsessive guilt over Mr. Crimble and the narrator's conflicted love for Fanny are central to the chapter's emotional turmoil.

  • XXXVI

    Mr. Anon's intense feelings for the narrator and his jealousy dominate the conversation, highlighting the theme of obsessive love.

  • XXXVIII

    The narrator's intense, conflicted feelings for Fanny are evident, alongside Susan's conventional engagement, highlighting different forms of love.

  • XLVIII

    The narrator's lingering love for Fanny is met with Fanny's scorn and ambition, highlighting the destructive nature of unrequited affection.

  • L

    The tender reunion with Mr. Anon and the narrator's deep emotional attachment reflect love and devotion.