Illusion vs. Reality

The story blurs the line between romantic illusion and harsh reality, from the 'sham' of political causes to the performative nature of aristocratic life, and the dreamlike quality of George's entire adventure.

The epigraph hints at the deceptive nature of outward civility, contrasting surface politeness with deeper, less rational truths about human nature.

The contrast between Rita's public persona as an object of art and her actual origins and precarious circumstances.

Blunt's cynical remarks about Rita's reputation and the contrast between public perception and private reality.

The narrator's initial impression of Rita as a figure from a painting contrasts with her real presence and the mundane intrusion of the journalist.