# Family and Kinship in The Secret Tomb

> Theme guide for The Secret Tomb by Maurice Leblanc.

The narrative explores bonds of blood and chosen family, as Dorothy adopts four orphans and later discovers her aristocratic lineage, while the treasure hunt unites distant cousins and tests loyalties.

## Where it surfaces

- [IV: The Cross-Examination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_tomb_se/chapters/iv-the-cross-examination): The chapter emphasizes Dorothy's chosen family of orphans, her bond with them, and the revelation of her biological father's legacy.
- [On the Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_tomb_se/chapters/vi-on-the-road): Dorothy's bond with her circus 'brats' and her concern for Raoul's grandfather underscore themes of family and loyalty.
- [XI: The Will of the Marquis de Beaugreval](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_tomb_se/chapters/xi-the-will-of-the-marquis-de-beaugreval): Dorothy emphasizes familial bonds among the medal holders, calling them cousins and fostering unity despite their diverse origins.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_tomb_se/themes/family_and_kinship
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_tomb_se/themes