# Love and Marriage in Plum Bun

> Theme guide for Plum Bun by Jessie Redmon Fauset.

The novel explores love and marriage as both romantic ideals and strategic tools for security and advancement, contrasting Angela's pragmatic, self-interested relationships with Virginia's more idealistic and committed views.

## Where it surfaces

- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/v): The chapter explores the complexities of love and marriage through Angela's calculated relationship with Roger, where she uses emotional withholding as a strategy, and her contrasting genuine connection with Anthony.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/i): Roger's proposal of a secret affair contrasts with Angela's desire for a conventional marriage, highlighting differing views on love.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/ii): The chapter explores the conflict between conventional marriage and free love, as Roger advocates for a union without legal bonds while Angela insists on the necessity of marriage for security and respectability.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iv): Angela grapples with the meaning of love and marriage, realizing she does not love Roger and that their relationship lacks the dignity of a genuine commitment.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/v): The end of Angela's affair with Roger shatters her last hope for a successful marriage, revealing the transactional and precarious nature of romantic relationships.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/v): The chapter explores the obstacles to love and union, as racial identity and past betrayals threaten to destroy the bond between Angela and Anthony.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/ii): Matthew confesses his past love for Virginia and his current feelings; Angela encourages him to pursue her.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/themes/love_and_marriage
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/themes