Miss Marjoribanks · Question
How does Miss Marjoribanks develop the theme of Practicality vs. Romance?
Answer
Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant develops Practicality vs. Romance across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
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.
Evidence in the book
- I
Dr. Marjoribanks's pragmatic, unemotional response contrasts sharply with Lucilla's romantic, novel-inspired vision of filial devotion.
- Chapter VI
Lucilla's pragmatic approach to marriage and society contrasts with Tom's romantic ineptitude, and Dr. Marjoribanks prioritizes financial prudence over romantic attachment.
- VII
Lucilla's pragmatic approach to Tom's attentions and her postponement of marriage until age twenty-nine contrast with romantic expectations.
- Chapter IX
Lucilla's practical dismissal of Tom's romantic proposal, treating it as a feverish delusion, contrasts sharply with his emotional outpouring.
- Chapter XVII
Rose's pragmatic and principled approach to Barbara's romantic disappointment contrasts with Barbara's emotional collapse, emphasizing the conflict between practical duty and romantic sentiment.
- Chapter XXVII
Lucilla's rational view of Mr. Cavendish's behavior contrasts with the romantic entanglements she observes, and she prioritizes practical intervention over emotional understanding.
- XXXVI
Lucilla's practical approach to her social duties contrasts with the romantic ideal of marriage as the ultimate reward.
- XXXIX
Lucilla dismisses Mr. Cavendish's sentimental appeal as 'humbug,' prioritizing practical considerations over emotional rhetoric in her political support.
