Purity and Corruption

Where it surfaces

• IV

  Iris declares she would die for purity in theory, yet feels corrupted by her own actions and desires, describing a 'pagan body' and a 'Chislehurst mind.'

• II: The Cavalier of Low Creatures

  Central theme: Gerald's obsession with purity contrasts with his dipsomania and tortured desires; the narrator discusses the modern inability to air 'secret silly things' about lust.

• I

  Gerald's obsession with purity contrasts with his secret desires and the 'vile rubbish-heaps of desire' he struggles with.

• III: For Purity!

  Boy Fenwick's ideal of purity clashes with Iris's reality, leading to his suicide; the chapter explores the tension between moral ideals and human imperfection.

• IV: Aphrodite

  The chapter explores Iris's traumatic association with purity through Boy Fenwick's idealistic cruelty, her statement 'It would be nice to die for purity,' and her subsequent disillusionment.

• I

  The narrator critiques the ideal of purity, linking it to Iris's sacrifice and Boy Fenwick's harsh idealism.

• VI: The Red Lights

  Venice is portrayed as 'incorruptible, golden Venice,' a symbol of purity and loyalty, while Iris is associated with scandal and tragedy. The narrator's loyalty to Venice underscores the theme of corruption threatening innocence.

• I

  The contrast between the convent setting and Iris's septic illness, along with the narrator's intrusive thoughts about her condition, highlights the tension between innocence and moral decay.

• IV

  Napier contrasts the purity of love with the 'dirt' and 'nastiness' surrounding it, reflecting on the corruption of their secret affair.

• VIII: Piqûre du cœur

  The nursing home's religious atmosphere and Sister Virginie's pure, serene presence contrast with Iris's emotional and physical suffering, as well as the narrator's cynical thoughts about the institution.

• I

  The contrast between the stern, rock-like nun and the gentle, pure Sister Virginie highlights themes of spiritual purity versus institutional corruption.

• II

  Iris's illness and fear of death contrast with the white doll and roses, symbolizing lost innocence and the corruption of the body.

• III

  Iris's illness and her playful yet guilty demeanor highlight a tension between innocence (her childish glee) and corruption (her secretive, shamefaced look).

• II

  Iris is portrayed as both ethereal and earthy, with a skin that glows like a jewel from being 'coiled in love,' blending innocence with sensuality.

• II

  Iris contrasts her 'body that burns for love' with the ideal of purity, and reflects on the corruption of her marriage to Hector Storm.