The Cloven Foot · Question
How does The Cloven Foot develop the theme of Inheritance and Legitimacy?
Answer
The Cloven Foot by M. E. Braddon develops Inheritance and Legitimacy across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The entire plot is driven by Jasper Treverton's will, which conditions inheritance on a marriage, raising questions about rightful ownership, fraud, and the legitimacy of claims to property.
The entire chapter revolves around the inheritance of Jasper Treverton's estate, with John Treverton as the sole surviving relative and the condition of marriage attached to the bequest.
The will's condition ties John's inheritance to marriage with Laura, raising questions about legitimacy and obligation.
Jasper Treverton's will forces John to marry Laura to inherit, creating tension between personal desire and financial obligation.
Evidence in the book
- I: The Heir Presumptive
The entire chapter revolves around the inheritance of Jasper Treverton's estate, with John Treverton as the sole surviving relative and the condition of marriage attached to the bequest.
- Jasper Treverton's Will
The will's condition ties John's inheritance to marriage with Laura, raising questions about legitimacy and obligation.
- A Disappointed Lover
Jasper Treverton's will forces John to marry Laura to inherit, creating tension between personal desire and financial obligation.
- IX: “And Art Thou Come! and Art Thou True!”
The marriage is driven by the conditions of Jasper Treverton's will; Laura and John must marry to secure the estate and prevent it from going to a hospital.
- XIII: The Settlement
The deed of settlement transfers John's inherited estate to Laura, emphasizing themes of property, inheritance, and the legal securing of a wife's position.
- XXVI: A Disinterested Parent
Laura's adoption by Jasper Treverton and the revelation of her true father raise questions about inheritance and familial legitimacy.
- On His Defence
The validity of Treverton's first marriage directly impacts his right to inherit the Hazlehurst estate, with the potential for the estate to be used to found a hospital.
- On a Voyage of Discovery
The validity of Treverton's first marriage directly impacts his inheritance and the legitimacy of his current marriage.
