# Jealousy and Trust in The Venetians

> Theme guide for The Venetians by M. E. Braddon.

Eve's jealousy and suspicion of her husband's fidelity create a rift in their marriage, and the narrative explores how unresolved doubts and hidden truths corrode trust between lovers.

## Where it surfaces

- [VI: Why Should He Refrain?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters/vi-why-should-he-refrain): Vansittart suspects Sefton's intentions toward Eve and questions whether she is innocent or scheming, reflecting his internal struggle with trust.
- [The Little Rift](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters/xxiii-the-little-rift): Eve's jealousy is sparked by Lisa's familiar greeting to Vansittart. The incident erodes the trust between them, as Vansittart's explanations seem inadequate and his pallor betrays his anxiety.
- [XXIV: “Poor Kind Wild Eyes So Dashed with Light Quick Tears”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters/xxiv-poor-kind-wild-eyes-so-dashed-with-light-quick-tears): Sefton's jealousy of Vansittart's relationship with Lisa, and his attempt to provoke Eve's jealousy, highlight the theme's central role in the chapter.
- [XXV: “And Every Gentle Passion Sick to Death”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters/xxv-and-every-gentle-passion-sick-to-death): Eve's irrational jealousy over a letter strains her marriage, while Sefton's jealousy over Lisa's lover drives his obsessive behavior.
- [Closer and Closer Swam the Thundercloud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters/xxvi-closer-and-closer-swam-the-thundercloud): Eve's jealousy persists despite reconciliation, and Sefton's manipulation of Sophy highlights trust issues.
- [XXVII: “Thou Mayst Be False and Yet I Know It Not”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters/xxvii-thou-mayst-be-false-and-yet-i-know-it-not): Eve's jealousy is ignited by Sophy's revelation, leading her to doubt her husband's fidelity and plan a confrontation.
- [XXVIII: In the Blue Chamber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters/xxviii-in-the-blue-chamber): Eve's jealousy and distrust of Vansittart, which leads to the uncovering of the truth.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_venetians_se/themes/jealousy_and_trust
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_venetians_se/themes