# Love and Self-Sacrifice in The Red Thumbmark

> Theme guide for The Red Thumbmark by R. Austin Freeman.

Dr. Jervis struggles with his growing love for Juliet Gibson while believing she is Reuben's betrothed, ultimately choosing to suppress his feelings out of honor and loyalty to his client.

## Where it surfaces

- [III: A Lady in the Case](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/iii-a-lady-in-the-case): Miss Gibson offers financial support for Reuben's defense out of friendship and conviction of his innocence, while her refusal of Walter's proposal suggests unspoken feelings.
- [Committed for Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/vi-committed-for-trial): Jervis suppresses his growing feelings for Juliet Gibson out of loyalty to Reuben Hornby, prioritizing duty over personal desire.
- [Shoals and Quicksands](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/vii-shoals-and-quicksands): Jervis acknowledges his growing love for Juliet Gibson while recognizing she is devoted to Reuben; he resolves to act honorably and sacrifice his own happiness.
- [IX: The Prisoner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/ix-the-prisoner): Juliet insists on visiting Reuben despite the repulsive environment, demonstrating her devotion and willingness to endure indignity for his sake.
- [X: Polton Is Mystified](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/x-polton-is-mystified): Jervis reflects on his growing love for Juliet, acknowledging the pain it will bring him when he must leave, yet he would not change his feelings.
- [XII: It Might Have Been](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/xii-it-might-have-been): Jervis suppresses his love for Juliet out of loyalty to Reuben, demonstrating personal sacrifice for duty.
- [At Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/xvii-at-last): Jervis confesses his love for Juliet, having suffered in silence out of a mistaken sense of duty to Reuben.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/themes/love_and_self_sacrifice
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/themes