# Love and Marriage as Risk in The Faraway Bride

> Theme guide for The Faraway Bride by Stella Benson.

Marriage is portrayed as a dangerous, almost fatal undertaking, echoing the story of Tobit's bride Sara, who lost seven husbands; Tatiana Ostapenko is rumored to be cursed, and Seryozha fears the emotional and practical risks of union.

## Where it surfaces

- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faraway_bride_se/chapters/iv): Katya's diatribe frames marriage as a transactional, risky duty, while Tatiana's rejection of suitors is seen as a dangerous defiance of social norms.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faraway_bride_se/chapters/v): Anna's maternal love is portrayed as a risk, as she fears for Seryozha's safety but ultimately lets him go, hoping for his happiness.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faraway_bride_se/chapters/vi): Wilfred's scheme to marry Seryozha to the heiress Tatiana Ostapenko, framed as a dangerous but potentially lucrative venture.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faraway_bride_se/chapters/viii): The suicide of Tatiana's betrothed, Alexander Weber, illustrates the danger and tragedy associated with romantic involvement in the Ostapenko family.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faraway_bride_se/chapters/ix): Seryozha's marriage to Tatiana is seen as a fatal attraction; Alexander's love for Tatiana leads to his suicide, framing love as a dangerous, consuming force.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faraway_bride_se/chapters/xi): The precarious marriage arrangement between Seryozha and Tanya, formalized by a hastily drafted deed, embodies the risk inherent in their union.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faraway_bride_se/chapters/vi): Tobias's fear of dying like Sara's previous husbands highlights the perilous nature of marriage, yet the angel's guidance and divine appointment transform it into a covenantal act of faith.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faraway_bride_se/chapters/vii): Tobias insists on marrying Sara despite the deaths of her seven previous husbands, illustrating the perilous nature of marriage in this narrative.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faraway_bride_se/chapters/viii): Tobias marries Sarah despite the risk of death from the evil spirit, and their prayer emphasizes marriage as a righteous covenant rather than lust.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faraway_bride_se/chapters/ix): Tobias's marriage to Raguel's daughter is depicted as a binding commitment that prevents his departure, underscoring the risks and obligations inherent in marriage.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faraway_bride_se/themes/love_and_marriage_as_risk
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faraway_bride_se/themes