# Love and Selfishness in Phoebe, Junior

> Theme guide for Phoebe, Junior by Margaret Oliphant.

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxx-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxxvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/themes/love_and_selfishness
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/themes