Secrecy and Identity

Where it surfaces

• In the City by the Sea

  Lisa's story about her English benefactor is shrouded in mystery, and her true history remains unknown to Vansittart, who cares little to learn it.

• Afterthoughts

  Vansittart adopts the alias 'John Smith' and plans to deny ever having been in Venice, highlighting his struggle to hide his true identity.

• The Prelude to Some Brighter World

  The chapter hints at an 'understanding' between Eve and Sefton, and Vansittart's pursuit of Eve involves a degree of social strategy, suggesting hidden motives and unspoken rules.

• VI: Why Should He Refrain?

  Vansittart keeps the secret of Venice from his mother, and the Marchant family's past is shrouded in mystery, influencing perceptions.

• VIII: A Face in the Crowd

  Vansittart's past actions in Venice threaten to expose his true nature. He receives an unaddressed letter, and his identity is known to Fiordelisa, creating a sense of impending exposure.

• IX: “Though Love, and Life, and Death Should Come and Go”

  Vansittart's hidden past and the promise of secrecy from Lisa and la Zia underscore the theme of concealed identity.

• X: “As Things That Are Not Shall These Things Be”

  Vansittart conceals his true name, adopting 'Smith' to avoid revealing his connection to the Venetian tragedy, highlighting his need to maintain a separate identity.

• One Thread in Life Worth Spinning

  Vansittart's determination to keep his Venetian adventure a secret from Eve, and Eve's own secret about her brother, highlight the theme of hidden truths.

• XII: “One Born to Love You, Sweet”

  The mystery surrounding Harold's disappearance and Mr. Sefton's hidden efforts to find him touch on themes of secrecy and hidden identities.

• XIII: “The Time of Lovers Is Brief”

  The mystery surrounding Harold Marchant's past and whereabouts introduces themes of hidden identities and family secrets that threaten the couple's happiness.

• XIV: As a Spirit from Dream to Dream

  Vansittart's dual life as John Smith, neglecting Lisa while being Jack Vansittart, is a key element of his hidden identity.

• XV: “Love Should Be Absolute Love”

  Vansittart's use of the alias 'Smith' and the hidden past of Harold Marchant highlight the theme of concealed identity and its consequences.

• XVI: To Live Forgotten and Love Forlorn

  Vansittart maintains his incognito with Lisa, planning to disappear from her life while keeping the truth from Eve.

• XIX: “He Said, ‘She Has a Lovely Face’ ”

  Lisa's past and the identity of the man she knew in Italy remain hidden, and she avoids discussing him.

• So Very Wilful

  Sefton's suspicion that Vansittart is the father of Lisa's child and Lisa's concealment of her feelings reflect the theme of hidden truths.

• The Little Rift

  Vansittart's hidden past with Lisa Vivanti creates a rift in his marriage. He is forced to lie and be evasive to protect his secret, while Eve's suspicions grow.

• XXIV: “Poor Kind Wild Eyes So Dashed with Light Quick Tears”

  Lisa's secret past with Vansittart, and Sefton's hidden misdeeds, underscore the theme of hidden truths and the masks people wear.

• XXV: “And Every Gentle Passion Sick to Death”

  Vansittart hides the truth about his past with Lisa, and Eve's suspicions threaten to uncover it.

• Closer and Closer Swam the Thundercloud

  Vansittart's hidden financial troubles and Sefton's hidden motives underscore the theme of secrecy.

• XXVII: “Thou Mayst Be False and Yet I Know It Not”

  Vansittart's hidden past and the secret of Lisa's son threaten to unravel his marriage and identity.

• XXVIII: In the Blue Chamber

  The hidden connection between Vansittart and Eve's brother, and the revelation of Harold's fate.

• XXX: A Double Exile

  Eve's determination to keep the reason for her separation a secret, even from her sister, highlights the theme of secrecy. In the wilderness, John's identity is stripped to its most basic elements, defined by his skills rather than his social standing.