# Love and Obsession in The Story of Ivy

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

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.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xiii): Roger's desperate love for Ivy is cited as the reason for his potential danger, and Ivy's flirtatious behavior is noted by Finch.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xiv): Gretorex's alleged motive of love for Ivy, and Rushworth's passionate cables, underscore the dangerous entanglements of love and obsession.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xvi): Gretorex's love for Ivy drives his request for gentle treatment, and Ivy's pride in his composure reflects her lingering emotional connection.
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xviii): Enid's love for Roger Gretorex drives her desperate plea to Ivy; Ivy's obsession with Rushworth's return overshadows all else.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xix): Enid Dent's enduring love for Roger Gretorex drives her desperate search for evidence to save him.
- [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xx): Gretorex's love letter to Ivy reveals a sincere, obsessive passion, contrasting with Ivy's manipulative behavior.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xxi): Roger's obsessive love for Ivy is recalled; Ivy's own attachment is self-serving and intertwined with fear.
- [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xxii): Rushworth's intense, consuming love for Ivy drives his actions, even as it turns to hatred upon learning of her guilt.

## Links

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