# Youth and Idealism in The Secret City

> Theme guide for The Secret City by Hugh Walpole.

Young characters like Bohun and Nina embody youthful idealism, knight-errantry, and a belief in grand possibilities, which are gradually tested and stripped away by the grim realities of war, love, and political upheaval.

## Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/ii): Bohun's youthful ambition, his belief in his own genius, and his idealistic vision of Russia and his own future exemplify the theme of youth and idealism.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/iv): Henry Bohun's romantic expectations of Petrograd clash with the harsh, gritty reality of his arrival, highlighting the disillusionment of youth.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/ix): Bohun's romantic and idealistic view of Russia and the Rasputin affair contrasts with the harsh realities, and his youthful vulnerability is emphasized.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xii): Nina's childish joy and Grogoff's simplistic socialist creed reflect youthful idealism amid a crumbling society.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xv): Bohun's romantic confession and Durward's advice reflect youthful idealism and its challenges.
- [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xvii): Nina's cynical and frivolous attitude contrasts with her underlying disappointment, illustrating the collapse of youthful idealism in the face of war and societal decay.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xxi): Nina's impulsive actions and desperate plea for Lawrence's friendship highlight her youthful naivety and idealism, contrasted with Durward's more cynical perspective.
- [Nina's Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/vi): Nina's youth is emphasized as both a source of vitality and naivety; she sees the universe as working to fulfill her desires.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xv): Bohun's knight-errantry and his subconscious drive to rescue Nina embody youthful idealism and the pursuit of noble causes.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/themes/youth_and_idealism
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/themes