The Line of Love · Question
How does The Line of Love develop the theme of Marriage and Expediency?
Answer
The Line of Love by James Branch Cabell develops Marriage and Expediency across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Marriages are portrayed as strategic alliances for property, rank, and political survival, with romantic love often secondary or sacrificed to practical considerations.
The chapter's subtitle and content directly address marriage as a practical arrangement, highlighting the tension between love and social duty.
Dame Adelaide's pragmatic view of marriage as a practical arrangement contrasts with Florian's romantic ideals, highlighting the theme of marriage as a social contract.
Adelais is expected to marry the wealthy Marquis of Falmouth for power and status, while Roger Darke attempts to force a marriage for his own gain, contrasting with her choice to follow Fulke out of love.
Evidence in the book
- The Line of Love
The chapter's subtitle and content directly address marriage as a practical arrangement, highlighting the tension between love and social duty.
- I: The Episode Called the Wedding Jest
Dame Adelaide's pragmatic view of marriage as a practical arrangement contrasts with Florian's romantic ideals, highlighting the theme of marriage as a social contract.
- IV: The Episode Called “Sweet Adelais”
Adelais is expected to marry the wealthy Marquis of Falmouth for power and status, while Roger Darke attempts to force a marriage for his own gain, contrasting with her choice to follow Fulke out of love.
- VI: The Episode Called the Conspiracy of Arnaye
The arranged marriage to Puysange is presented as a political necessity, contrasting with Matthiette's personal desires.
- VII: The Episode Called the Castle of Content
The chapter reveals that Adeliza's betrothal to Stephen was an 'affair of rank conveniency.' Monsieur de Puysange's pursuit of the Allonby estate for his daughter further illustrates how marriages are used as tools for social and financial advancement.
- VIII: The Episode Called in Ursula’s Garden
Falmouth's pursuit of Ursula is based on convenience and rank, not love, while his past abandonment of Katherine was for pragmatic reasons.
- X: The Envoi Called Semper Idem
The chapter concludes that each romance ended in a marriage that 'turned out well enough' in a world where people must consider expediency.
