Family Sacrifice and Duty

Where it surfaces

• I

  Mamma's duty to provide a son, her pregnancies and losses, and the family's anticipation of Papa's return.

• III

  Mamma offers to save money by fixing her old hoops so Papa can have his horse, and the children give homemade gifts, showing familial devotion.

• IV

  Mamma's devotion to Victor's memory and her focus on the baby as the new center of the family.

• XIV

  Mamma and Maggie take on more household chores after letting staff go, showing the family's sacrifice due to financial decline.

• XVI

  Maggie is torn between her desire to marry Edward and her sense of duty to Victor, who needs her care. Her internal conflict centers on the sacrifice of her own happiness for her family's well-being.

• XVII

  May's outburst reveals the deep resentment over the family's sacrifices for Victor's education, highlighting the theme of duty versus personal desire.

• XIX

  Maggie's entire focus is on Victor's happiness, sacrificing her own desires and resources for his opportunity.

• XXVII

  Maggie's care for May and the family's burden after May's suicide reflect the theme of familial duty.

• XXIX

  Maggie broke her engagement to care for Victor, and the family's resources were always spent on him, illustrating the theme of familial duty over personal happiness.