The Autobiography of Mark Rutherford · Theme
Love and Human Connection
How The Autobiography of Mark Rutherford develops Love and Human Connection.
Rutherford's intense yearning for genuine love and sympathy, his repeated disappointments in relationships (including a broken engagement and unreciprocated devotion), and the theme that such connection is the most precious but often unattainable thing.
Where it surfaces
- V: Miss Arbour
The failure of love in Miss Arbour's marriage and Rutherford's broken engagement highlight the difficulty of genuine connection.
- VI: Ellen and Mary
The emotional power of Mary's song and Rutherford's impulsive kiss highlight the need for human intimacy amidst spiritual isolation.
- Emancipation
Rutherford's love for Mary Bell, though unrequited, provides a focus that helps him recover from monomania.
- Oxford Street
Theresa's gentle care and reassurance provide a profound emotional healing, leading Rutherford to worship her with absorbing love.