Practicality vs. Romance

Lucilla consistently prioritizes practical considerations—such as the quality of dinners, the arrangement of furniture, and political advantage—over romantic sentiment, treating love as a secondary concern to social strategy.

Dr. Marjoribanks's pragmatic, unemotional response contrasts sharply with Lucilla's romantic, novel-inspired vision of filial devotion.

Lucilla's pragmatic approach to marriage and society contrasts with Tom's romantic ineptitude, and Dr. Marjoribanks prioritizes financial prudence over romantic attachment.

Lucilla's pragmatic approach to Tom's attentions and her postponement of marriage until age twenty-nine contrast with romantic expectations.

Lucilla's practical dismissal of Tom's romantic proposal, treating it as a feverish delusion, contrasts sharply with his emotional outpouring.