Love and Selfishness

Romantic relationships are often tainted by self-interest, as seen in Clarence's vacillation between Ursula and Phoebe. Genuine affection is rare, with most characters viewing love through the lens of personal gain, social convenience, or vanity.

Northcote's idealized love for Ursula is self-absorbed, while Reginald's interest in Phoebe and Clarence's complacent attentions reveal selfish motives beneath romantic gestures.

Ursula's innocent discovery of love contrasts with Phoebe's calculated assessment. Clarence's jealousy and Reginald's infatuation are driven by self-interest as much as affection.

Phoebe's enjoyment of Reginald's attention while planning to reject him for Clarence illustrates the selfishness mixed with affection in her romantic dealings.

Clarence's love for Phoebe leads him to defy his father, while Mr. Copperhead's selfishness drives him to try to control his son's marriage.