The Line of Love · Question
How does The Line of Love develop the theme of Nature and Human Folly?
Answer
The Line of Love by James Branch Cabell develops Nature and Human Folly across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
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.
Evidence in the book
- The Epistle Dedicatory
Nature is described as an 'arch-trickster' who uses love to trick humanity into enduring, while humans foolishly dismiss love's significance.
- The Episode Called in Necessity's Mortar
The natural setting contrasts with human moral decay, as François's noble sacrifice is rooted in his flawed humanity.