Love and Obsession

Where it surfaces

• An Instruction to Commit Burglary

  The Beetle's intense, contradictory feelings toward Paul Lessingham—hatred mixed with longing—suggest a deep, obsessive fixation.

• IX: The Contents of the Packet

  The Beetle's obsessive hatred for Lessingham is fueled by the love letters between Marjorie and Paul.

• Book II: The Haunted Man

  Atherton's obsessive love for Marjorie Lindon drives his actions and narrative.

• X: Rejected

  Atherton's sudden, intense declaration of love and his vow to love Marjorie until death, despite her engagement, illustrates obsessive passion.

• A Midnight Episode

  Atherton's obsessive jealousy over Marjorie and his bitter resentment of Lessingham.

• A Morning Visitor

  Atherton's jealousy over Marjorie's love for Lessingham drives him to contemplate murder and accept help from a sinister stranger.

• The Duchess’ Ball

  Atherton's obsessive love for Marjorie is contrasted with Woodville's desperate rejection and Dora's hopeful infatuation, illustrating the destructive and consuming nature of romantic fixation.

• XV: Mr. Lessingham Speaks

  Atherton's obsessive jealousy and Marjorie's adoration of Lessingham highlight the intense, possessive nature of their romantic entanglements.

• XVI: Atherton’s Magic Vapour

  Percy's obsessive love for Marjorie is depicted through his repeated failed proposals and his maudlin drunkenness; Atherton's taunting reveals a darker, possessive side of love.

• XIX: The Lady Rages

  Dora's intense emotional reaction and Atherton's distracted behavior hint at unspoken romantic tensions.

• The Terror in the Night

  Marjorie's profound fear for Paul Lessingham's safety and Atherton's deep emotional response to her distress reflect themes of love and obsession.

• The Haunted Man

  Atherton's protective obsession with Marjorie drives his confrontation with Lessingham.

• XXIII: The Way He Told Her

  Marjorie's deep, growing love for Paul is the central focus, from her initial admiration of his speech to the proposal on Westminster Bridge.

• XXIV: A Woman’s View

  Sydney Atherton's frantic proposal and his history of confiding about other women highlight obsessive tendencies, while Marjorie's secret engagement to Lessingham underscores the complexities of love.

• A Bringer of Tidings

  Both Atherton and Lessingham's intense reactions are rooted in their love for Marjorie, with Lessingham's fury and Atherton's desperation highlighting the obsessive nature of their feelings.

• XLVIII: The Conclusion of the Matter

  The marriages of Sydney Atherton to Dora Grayling and Marjorie Lindon to Paul Lessingham are presented as successful, contrasting with earlier obsessive or destructive relationships.