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Short Fiction · Theme

Love and Marriage

How Short Fiction develops Love and Marriage.

The book explores various facets of romantic relationships, from courtship and secret engagements to the challenges and adjustments of married life, often highlighting misunderstandings, secrets, and the clash between romantic ideals and practical realities.

Where it surfaces

  • When Papa Swore in Hindustani

    Sylvia's love for Reginald Dallas and the colonel's eventual consent to their marriage drive the plot.

  • Tom, Dick, and Harry

    The central conflict revolves around two friends competing for the same woman, Dolly Burn, and the resolution that she is already engaged to another.

  • In Alcala

    George Balmer's sudden infatuation on the promenade highlights the whimsical and often impulsive nature of romantic attraction.

  • III

    Peggy's jealousy over Alice Halliday and her emotional outburst reveal unspoken romantic feelings for Rutherford.

  • V

    Peggy's supportive role in Rutherford's creative process underscores a deepening bond and mutual encouragement.

  • VI

    Rutherford's proposal to Peggy and her refusal highlight the conflict between love and practical life choices.

  • Ahead of Schedule

    The chapter revolves around romantic pursuits and the unexpected marriage of Wilson, highlighting the unpredictability of love.

  • By Advice of Counsel

    Jerry Moore's romantic interest in Jane Tuxton drives the plot, and the narrative explores how marriage can disrupt established domestic arrangements.

  • Deep Waters

    The romantic attraction between George and Mary drives the plot, culminating in a potential relationship.

  • Rough-Hew Them How We Will

    Paul's romantic pursuit of Jeanne is intertwined with his financial aspirations, as he hopes to marry her after selling his picture.

  • The Goalkeeper and the Plutocrat

    The central romance between Isabel and Clarence is thwarted by class and parental opposition, highlighting the theme of love versus social barriers.

  • The Good Angel

    Martin's romantic pursuit of Elsa is central, complicated by rival Barstowe and the servants' betting pool on her marriage.

  • When Doctors Disagree

    The chapter explores the dynamics of a romantic engagement, including trust, insecurity, and the testing of affections.

  • Pots O'Money

    Owen's proposal to Audrey and Mr. Sheppherd's refusal highlight the theme of love hindered by financial and social expectations.

  • Absent Treatment

    The central theme explores the challenges of marriage, particularly the clash between Bobbie's carefree nature and Mary's desire for reliability.

  • Disentangling Old Duggie

    Duggie's engagement to Mrs. Darrell is challenged by family opposition, highlighting the tension between romantic choice and familial duty.

  • Sir Agravaine

    The central theme: Agravaine's love for Yvonne leads to marriage, despite her father's deceptive scheme to marry off daughters.

  • The Man Who Disliked Cats

    The Frenchman's romantic pursuit of Miss Henderson is thwarted by his rival Captain Bassett, leading to her marriage to Bassett.

  • Crowned Heads

    The central theme is Katie and Ted's developing romance, from their chance meeting to his straightforward proposal and her grandfather's objection.

  • Bill the Bloodhound

    Henry's romantic pursuit of Alice is complicated by her insistence on marrying someone in the theatre profession.

  • The Test Case

    Reggie's proposal to Ann is contingent on him proving his capability; Harold's marriage suffers from his lingering attachment to his first wife.

  • The Man with Two Left Feet

    Henry's efforts to revive his marriage through dancing highlight the theme of love and marital compromise.