The Arrow of Gold · Theme
Sacrifice and Devotion
How The Arrow of Gold develops Sacrifice and Devotion.
Characters repeatedly sacrifice their own safety, reputations, and desires for others—George risks his life for Rita, Rose shows unwavering loyalty, and Rita contemplates giving up her fortune and crown for love.
Where it surfaces
- Author's Note
The author's commitment to sincerity and unadorned truth, even at the cost of appearing incomplete, reflects a devotion to ethical storytelling.
- I
Rita's lie to her uncle to give him snuff, and her devotion to the Carlist cause.
- III
The narrator's continued engagement in the dangerous trade despite its deterioration reflects a form of devotion to the cause and to Rita.
- Chapter VIII
The narrator's selfless care for Rita, even as she is unable to reciprocate fully, exemplifies devotion, while Rita's refusal to let him speak of love suggests a sacrifice of her own desires.
- Second Note
Rita's decision to leave George is framed as a heroic sacrifice for the integrity of his life, while Rose's devotion to Rita is also noted.