# How does The Perfume of Eros develop the theme of Social Class and Marriage?

> The Perfume of Eros by Edgar Saltus

## Answer

The Perfume of Eros by Edgar Saltus develops Social Class and Marriage across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The book explores how marriage is driven by social status, wealth, and family expectations rather than love, as seen in Fanny's pursuit of a wealthy match and Marie's desire to escape her lower-class origins through Loftus.

The dinner party and Loftus's mother's concern about Fanny Price highlight the importance of social standing and marriage in high society.

The chapter discusses Sylvia's engagement to Annandale and the social expectations surrounding marriage.

Marie's concern about being 'nobody' and the secretive nature of the proposed union highlight the class barriers and social conventions surrounding marriage.

## Evidence

- [i-a-man-of-fashion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/i-a-man-of-fashion.md): The dinner party and Loftus's mother's concern about Fanny Price highlight the importance of social standing and marriage in high society.
- [ii-the-pocket-venus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/ii-the-pocket-venus.md): The chapter discusses Sylvia's engagement to Annandale and the social expectations surrounding marriage.
- [iv-enchantment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/iv-enchantment.md): Marie's concern about being 'nobody' and the secretive nature of the proposed union highlight the class barriers and social conventions surrounding marriage.
- [vi-the-yellow-fay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/vi-the-yellow-fay.md): The breaking of the engagement highlights the importance of reputation and propriety in marriage within high society.
- [viii-two-in-a-turret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/viii-two-in-a-turret.md): Mrs. Price's obsession with a brilliant match reflects the era's emphasis on wealth in marriage.
- [ix-fanny-changes-her-clothes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/ix-fanny-changes-her-clothes.md): Mrs. Price's outrage at Fanny's engagement to Annandale highlights the importance of marrying for wealth and status, as she considers Annandale a 'pauper' despite his heroism.

## Links

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