Nature and Human Folly

Nature is depicted as a tireless, trickster force that uses love and desire to perpetuate the species, while humans are often foolish, self-deceiving, and caught in ironic circumstances.

Nature is described as an 'arch-trickster' who uses love to trick humanity into enduring, while humans foolishly dismiss love's significance.

The natural setting contrasts with human moral decay, as François's noble sacrifice is rooted in his flawed humanity.