# How does The Perfume of Eros develop the theme of Gender Roles and Power?

> The Perfume of Eros by Edgar Saltus

## Answer

The Perfume of Eros by Edgar Saltus develops Gender Roles and Power across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Women are portrayed as objects of desire and social ambition, while men hold economic and social power, dictating the terms of relationships and leaving women vulnerable to abandonment and disgrace.

Marie's submissive role and Loftus's control over her name, actions, and social life reflect the power imbalance between men and women.

Marie's powerlessness as a woman in a relationship with a man who controls the narrative of their future is evident. She is trapped by societal expectations and her own infatuation.

## Evidence

- [v-marie-changes-her-name](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/v-marie-changes-her-name.md): Marie's submissive role and Loftus's control over her name, actions, and social life reflect the power imbalance between men and women.
- [i-disenchantment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/i-disenchantment.md): Marie's powerlessness as a woman in a relationship with a man who controls the narrative of their future is evident. She is trapped by societal expectations and her own infatuation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/questions/how-gender-roles-and-power
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se
- All questions: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/questions