Love and Sacrifice

The narrative examines the depth of love between Stephen and Mary, and the painful sacrifices Stephen makes—including giving up Mary—to protect her from the shame and hardship of their shared life.

Stephen's intense love for Collins leads her to pray for and physically inflict housemaid's knee on herself, imitating Christ's sacrifice.

Stephen's intense, unrequited love for Collins and her longing for reciprocation reflect the theme of love and sacrifice.

Stephen's intense love for Collins leads to a sacrificial outburst, and Sir Philip's promise to send Collins away is a sacrifice for Stephen's well-being.

Stephen's intense love for Collins and her subsequent grief, followed by the effort to keep Collins alive through renaming the pony, illustrates the depth and transience of childhood attachment.