# Gender and Marriage in The Sword of Damocles

> Theme guide for The Sword of Damocles by Anna Katharine Green.

Marriage is depicted as a transactional and often unequal institution, with women like Ona using beauty for power and Paula expected to be a companion or daughter rather than an equal partner. The narrative critiques the limited roles available to women and the sacrifices they make in romantic unions.

## Where it surfaces

- [Woman's Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/book-v-woman-s-love): The narrative explores the societal constructs surrounding marriage and the roles of women within these institutions.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/themes/gender_and_marriage
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/themes