The Perfume of Eros · Question
How does The Perfume of Eros develop the theme of Love and Deception?
Answer
The Perfume of Eros by Edgar Saltus develops Love and Deception across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Romantic relationships are built on lies and false promises, particularly Loftus's manipulation of Marie, who believes he will marry her while he only intends to keep her as a mistress.
Loftus's deception of Marie and the complicated love triangle.
Loftus's hidden interest in Marie Durand while flirting with Fanny Price suggests deception in romantic pursuits.
Fanny's flirtatious banter with Loftus and her comments about her debts suggest a world of social games and hidden motives.
Evidence in the book
- The Facts in the Case
Loftus's deception of Marie and the complicated love triangle.
- I: A Man of Fashion
Loftus's hidden interest in Marie Durand while flirting with Fanny Price suggests deception in romantic pursuits.
- II: The Pocket Venus
Fanny's flirtatious banter with Loftus and her comments about her debts suggest a world of social games and hidden motives.
- The Ex-First Lady
Loftus's entire pursuit of Marie is built on deception, from learning her name incorrectly to paying Mme. Machin for an introduction. His declaration of love is a calculated move, not a genuine emotion.
- Enchantment
Loftus's declarations of love are intertwined with manipulation, as he uses romantic language and promises to persuade Marie, while his true intentions remain ambiguous.
- V: Marie Changes Her Name
Loftus deceives Marie about his intentions, while she believes their relationship will be legitimized, highlighting the theme of deception in love.
- Sweet-and-Twenty
Annandale's lingering love for Sylvia and the self-deception in thinking he can dictate to Fate.
- Two in a Turret
Annandale's proposal to Fanny is partly a rebound from Sylvia, while Fanny hides her true feelings for Loftus.
