Phoebe, Junior · Theme
Love and Selfishness
How Phoebe, Junior develops 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.
Where it surfaces
- Society at the Parsonage
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.
- XXXII: Lovemaking
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.
- A Pleasant Evening
Phoebe's enjoyment of Reginald's attention while planning to reject him for Clarence illustrates the selfishness mixed with affection in her romantic dealings.
- XLIV: Phoebe’s Last Trial
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.