# Deception and Self-Deception in The Story of Ivy

> Theme guide for The Story of Ivy by Marie Belloc Lowndes.

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.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/vii): Ivy deceives Nurse Bradfield and herself about her role in Jervis's death, rationalizing her actions and feeling relief rather than guilt.
- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/viii): Ivy deceives herself about her own emotions and the events surrounding Jervis's death, while also attempting to deceive Dr. Berwick about her knowledge and involvement.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/ix): Gretorex deceives himself about Ivy's purity and prepares a false story, while Mrs. Huntley agrees to lie for him.
- [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/x): Gretorex lies to Orpington about his knowledge and actions; Orpington questions Ivy's truthfulness.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xi): Roger deceives himself about the simplicity of the mystery; Ivy's portrait in the paper symbolizes the deceptive allure of appearances.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xii): Ivy deliberately misleads Orpington about Gretorex's role, yet she also deceives herself about the safety of her plan.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xiii): Mrs. Gretorex insists on Roger's innocence while fearing his danger; Ivy hides her relief at the money and her unease with Mr. Oram.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xiv): Ivy deceives herself and others about her role in Jervis's death, while Paxton-Smith accepts her half-truths as the whole story.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xv): Ivy carefully constructs her testimony, omitting and equivocating to protect herself, while also deceiving herself about her past feelings for Gretorex.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xvi): Sir Joseph Molloy's gentle cross-examination is a deliberate deception to honor Gretorex's wish, while Gretorex's claim of innocence may be self-deception or truth.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xvii): Finch suggests Ivy Lexton may be deceiving the court by shielding a murderer, and Enid suspects Roger is deceiving everyone by not testifying.
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xviii): Ivy deceives herself about her own feelings and manipulates others with tears, while Enid suspects Ivy is shielding the real murderer.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xix): Mrs. Huntley's hidden knowledge and the letters reveal layers of deception surrounding Ivy Lexton's actions.
- [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xx): Ivy Lexton's perjury and hidden letters reveal deep deception, while the inspector realizes he was misled.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xxi): Ivy deceives herself about her own guilt, weeping for herself rather than for Roger, and hoping he will die silent.
- [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xxii): Rushworth deceives himself about Ivy's innocence, and Ivy's own deception is hinted at as she faces the charges.
- [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/epilogue): Ivy's frantic attempt to retrieve the stolen bolster bag reveals her continued attachment to the illicit 'stuff,' showing her self-deception about escaping her past.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/themes/deception_and_self_deception
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/themes