Love and Selfishness

Where it surfaces

• II

  Cynthia's calculated engagement to Peter Burns for financial security contrasts with Mrs. Ford's possessive love for Ogden.

• I

  Peter's internal struggle between genuine affection for Cynthia and his lingering obsession with Audrey Blake highlights the tension between selfless love and selfish desire.

• II

  Cynthia questions whether Peter's love is genuine or born of pity, while her own actions are driven by a mix of altruism for Nesta and jealousy over Audrey Blake.

• I

  Peter's lingering thoughts of Audrey while engaged to Cynthia highlight his internal conflict between love and selfish desire.

• V

  Peter's bitterness and desire for revenge clash with Audrey's attempt at reconciliation, highlighting selfish impulses in past and present relationships.

• VII

  Peter's internal conflict between his duty to Cynthia and his reawakened love for Audrey highlights the tension between selfless commitment and personal desire.

• II

  Sam's desire to retire and marry is driven by personal love, but his methods—kidnapping for ransom—are selfish and cause misery to others.

• XI

  Peter's internal conflict between his love for Cynthia and his attraction to Audrey highlights the selfish nature of his desires and the struggle for self-control.

• I

  Peter's sense of responsibility to Audrey motivates his protective actions, despite his desire to leave.

• XIII

  Audrey's accusation that Peter's actions are driven by infatuation with Mrs. Ford underscores the conflict between romantic motives and selfish acts.

• XIV

  Peter's decision to return to Sanstead for Ogden, despite personal risk, contrasts with Cynthia's more self-interested concerns.

• II

  Peter's overwhelming tenderness for Audrey causes him to forget his promise to Cynthia, highlighting the conflict between love and personal obligation.

• XVI

  Audrey confesses her selfish attempts to steal Peter from Cynthia, while Peter's own desire clashes with his sense of duty.

• XVIII

  Mrs. Drassilis prioritizes Cynthia's happiness over Peter's feelings, while Peter's willingness to release Cynthia reflects a selfless love.