Love and Betrayal

Where it surfaces

• In Search of Victory

  Cowperwood's affection for Aileen is genuine but pragmatic; her trust in his fidelity is naive, foreshadowing future betrayals.

• Undercurrents

  Cowperwood's growing emotional distance from Aileen and his secret affairs signal the beginning of betrayal.

• XV: A New Affection

  Cowperwood's calculated seduction of Rita Sohlberg while maintaining a facade of fidelity to Aileen exemplifies the theme of romantic betrayal.

• A Fateful Interlude

  Cowperwood's simultaneous affairs with Mrs. Sohlberg and Antoinette Nowak, while deceiving Aileen, highlight the theme of romantic betrayal.

• An Overture to Conflict

  The erosion of trust between Aileen and Cowperwood as his infidelities and her suspicions create a rift, exploring the pain of potential betrayal.

• XVIII: The Clash

  Aileen discovers Cowperwood's double infidelity, leading to a violent emotional clash.

• XIX: “Hell Hath No Fury—”

  Aileen's discovery of Frank's affair with Rita triggers a violent confrontation, highlighting the betrayal in their marriage.

• Man and Superman

  The affair between Cowperwood and Rita Sohlberg is revealed, leading to betrayal of trust between spouses and the collapse of romantic illusions.

• Street-Railways at Last

  Aileen's emotional pain and distrust following Cowperwood's affair with Rita Sohlberg, highlighting the personal cost of his ambition.

• The Coming of Stephanie Platow

  Aileen's realization that Cowperwood's love is dead and his emotional betrayal, despite his material generosity, is a central focus.

• Airs from the Orient

  Cowperwood's growing romantic interest in Stephanie Platow sets the stage for potential betrayal of his wife Aileen.

• Love and War

  Cowperwood's affair with Stephanie Platow, complicated by her past with Gardner Knowles and the secrecy of the relationship.

• XXVII: A Financier Bewitched

  Cowperwood's obsessive love for Stephanie is shadowed by his fear of her infidelity, as she maintains ties with other men.

• XXVIII: The Exposure of Stephanie

  Stephanie's affair with Forbes Gurney betrays Cowperwood's trust, leading to a dramatic confrontation and the end of their relationship.

• A Family Quarrel

  Aileen's discovery of Cowperwood's multiple affairs highlights the betrayal in their marriage.

• XXXI: Untoward Disclosures

  Cowperwood's affair with Cecily Haguenin betrays Haguenin's trust, while his affair with Mrs. Hand betrays Hosmer Hand's hospitality and friendship.

• A Supper Party

  Aileen's flirtation with Polk Lynde, while Cowperwood is absent, foreshadows potential betrayal and her search for affection outside her marriage.

• Mr. Lynde to the Rescue

  Aileen's sense of betrayal by Cowperwood's affairs leads her to consider a relationship with Lynde, highlighting the theme of emotional infidelity and revenge.

• XXXVII: Aileen’s Revenge

  Aileen's affair with Lynde and her confession to Cowperwood epitomize the theme of romantic betrayal and its emotional consequences.

• A Trip to Louisville

  Hattie Starr's history of philandering and divorce, as well as the scandal involving Major Hagenback's death, highlight themes of romantic betrayal and its consequences.

• F. A. Cowperwood, Guardian

  Cowperwood's growing infatuation with Berenice contrasts with his existing relationships, hinting at future emotional entanglements.

• XLV: Changing Horizons

  Aileen's affair with Lynde and Cowperwood's emotional infidelity toward Berenice Fleming highlight the fractured loyalties in their marriage.

• XLVI: Depths and Heights

  Aileen's affair with Lynde and her subsequent turn to Skeet highlight the cycle of betrayal and emotional decay.

• The Revival of Hattie Starr

  Berenice's ambivalence toward Braxmar and her attraction to Cowperwood reflect conflicting loyalties.

• Behind the Arras

  Berenice's romantic idyll with Braxmar ends due to her mother's secrets and her own pride; Braxmar's genuine love is met with calculated distance.

• LIII: A Declaration of Love

  Cowperwood declares his love for Berenice, revealing a secret devotion that has lasted seven years, while acknowledging his past affairs.

• LVI: The Ordeal of Berenice

  Cowperwood's love for Berenice is complicated by his marriage to Aileen; Berenice's observation of Aileen highlights the betrayal inherent in Cowperwood's pursuit of her.

• LVII: Aileen’s Last Card

  Aileen's discovery of Cowperwood's love for Berenice and his admission that his love for her is dead, leading to a confrontation filled with accusations and pleas.

• LXII: The Recompense

  Berenice's arrival offers a recompense for Cowperwood's emotional isolation, while past betrayals (Aileen, Stephanie) haunt the narrative.