# The Story of Ivy — Themes

> Major themes in The Story of Ivy by Marie Belloc Lowndes.

## Wealth and Financial Ruin

The narrative centers on Ivy and Jervis Lexton's descent from a capital of sixty-eight thousand pounds to near pennilessness, highlighting the precariousness of social standing tied to money and the desperate measures Ivy takes to maintain her lifestyle.

### Where it surfaces

- [Prologue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/prologue): Ivy's extravagant spending has depleted Jervis's capital, and the characters discuss the precariousness of wealth and the pursuit of money.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/i): Ivy and Jervis Lexton have fallen from a capital of sixty-eight thousand pounds to near pennilessness, living in shabby lodgings with only a pound and some silver.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/ii): The Lextons are 'stony-broke,' living in a shabby Pimlico house, while Rushworth's millionaire status offers a potential escape.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/iii): Rushworth's immense wealth is displayed through his yacht and extravagant gifts, contrasting with Ivy's financial struggles and Jervis's idleness.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xvii): Finch argues that money corrupts and can buy silence, linking wealth to the cover-up of the crime.

## Beauty and Manipulation

Ivy's physical beauty is repeatedly described as a tool for social advancement and control over men, enabling her to extract money, favors, and devotion while masking her selfish and calculating nature.

### Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/ii): Ivy uses her looks and charm to attract Rushworth and manage her husband, aware of her power over men.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/iii): Ivy uses her beauty and charm to manipulate Rushworth, feeling triumph as she senses his barrier weakening.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xii): Ivy uses her fragile loveliness to influence Orpington and has historically relied on her allure to secure men's support.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xv): Ivy's beauty and fragile demeanor are used to manipulate the court's sympathy, influencing both the jury and the public.

## Marriage and Infidelity

The book explores a hollow marriage where Ivy is unfaithful with multiple men (Roger Gretorex and Miles Rushworth), using her husband's illness and death as opportunities to pursue her own desires without genuine loyalty.

### Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/ii): Ivy's flirtation with Rushworth and her secret relationship with Gretorex strain her marriage to Jervis.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/iii): Ivy, though married to Jervis, pursues an emotional and potentially romantic relationship with Rushworth, while Rushworth considers marrying Bella.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/iv): The central conflict revolves around Rushworth's love for a married woman and his promise to avoid such entanglements, highlighting the tension between desire and marital vows.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/v): Ivy's affair with Gretorex and her emotional infatuation with Rushworth highlight her marital discontent.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/vi): Ivy is married to Jervis but has a passionate affair with Gretorex, and is now fixated on Rushworth. The letter exposes the emotional infidelity.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/vii): Ivy's marriage to Jervis is overshadowed by her affair with Roger Gretorex and her flirtation with Miles Rushworth, highlighting the theme of infidelity.

## Crime and Justice

The plot revolves around the suspected poisoning of Jervis Lexton, the wrongful conviction of Roger Gretorex, and the legal system's failure, as Ivy's manipulation nearly leads to an innocent man's execution.

### Where it surfaces

- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/v): Ivy's deliberate poisoning of Jervis's drink sets up a criminal act with potential consequences.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/vii): Ivy's deliberate administration of a dangerous dose to Jervis and her subsequent cover-up point to a crime that goes unpunished in this chapter.
- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/viii): The postmortem and Dr. Berwick's investigation into Jervis's death introduce themes of potential foul play and the search for truth, setting the stage for a possible crime.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/ix): The suspicion of poison in Jervis's death and the involvement of Inspector Orpington introduce a criminal investigation.
- [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/x): Orpington's investigation into Lexton's death and his suspicion of Gretorex as the murderer.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xi): The poisoning mystery dominates the chapter; Roger fears being accused and the legal consequences.

## Social Class and Appearance

Characters are judged by their dress, manners, and connections, with Ivy's ability to maintain a facade of respectability and charm despite her sordid circumstances being a central tension.

### Where it surfaces

- [Prologue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/prologue): The characters judge Ivy based on her beauty and manners, revealing the importance of social appearance and class in their circle.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xiii): Mr. Oram's old-fashioned disapproval of Ivy's makeup and nightlife contrasts with her need to maintain appearances as a respectable widow.
- [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/epilogue): The porter's secret admiration for 'pretty, pleasant-spoken Ivy' and his fear of losing his position underscore the class dynamics and the public's fascination with her.

## Love and Obsession

Roger Gretorex's intense, self-sacrificing love for Ivy contrasts with her cold calculation, while Miles Rushworth's romantic idealism is tested by Ivy's true nature, illustrating love as both a destructive and redeeming force.

### Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/i): Roger Gretorex's devoted love for Ivy, which she no longer reciprocates, and Rose Arundell's romantic reunion with her first love.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/iv): Rushworth's intense, self-proclaimed 'madly in love' passion for Ivy, coupled with his struggle to maintain control, exemplifies obsessive love.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/vi): Gretorex's letter shows obsessive love for Ivy; Ivy is obsessed with Rushworth and her own future.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/ix): Gretorex's intense love for Ivy borders on obsession, as he rejoices in her freedom and longs to be with her despite the circumstances.
- [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/x): Gretorex's passion for Ivy Lexton is presented as a motive for murder.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xi): Roger's love for Ivy overshadows his relationship with Enid; Mrs. Gretorex's jealousy reveals her obsession with her son's affections.

## Gender and Power

Ivy wields power through her femininity and allure in a patriarchal society, yet remains economically dependent on men, revealing the limited avenues for women to achieve autonomy and the moral compromises required.

### Where it surfaces

- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/viii): Ivy's reliance on male figures (Dr. Berwick, Miles Rushworth, Dr. Gretorex) highlights the limited agency of women in this era, as well as her use of feminine charm to influence men.

## Deception and Self-Deception

Ivy constantly lies to others and herself about her motives and actions, while characters like Lady Flora and Miles Rushworth are deceived by her innocent appearance, underscoring the theme of hidden truths.

### Where it surfaces

- [Prologue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/prologue): Ivy's manipulative charm and the differing perceptions of her character among the guests highlight themes of deception and self-deception.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/i): Ivy deceives herself about her feelings for Roger and dismisses Mrs. Thrawn's warnings, while maintaining a facade of wealth to her friends.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/iii): Rushworth deceives himself into believing he can resist Ivy and still marry Bella, while Ivy hides her jealousy and manipulative intentions.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/iv): Ivy's manipulative responses and Rushworth's rationalization of his passion as 'exalted and spiritual' reveal layers of self-deception.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/v): Ivy deceives both Gretorex and Jervis, while deluding herself about her motives and future.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/vi): Ivy deceives Gretorex about Jervis's illness and her feelings for Rushworth; she also deceives herself about her motives. Gretorex's letter reveals his self-deception about Ivy's purity.

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