The Windfairies · Question
How does The Windfairies develop the theme of Love and Sacrifice?
Answer
The Windfairies by Mary De Morgan develops Love and Sacrifice across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Love is portrayed as requiring sacrifice, as in the pool and the tree, where the pool gives up its existence to become a cloud and reunite with the tree, and in the shepherd's daughter, who refuses royal marriage to stay with her mother.
Lucilla marries the sailor for love, and later the windfairies' help reunites her family, highlighting love's endurance through hardship.
The pool sacrifices its form and travels across the world to reunite with and save the tree.
The potter's wife sacrifices her comfort, weaving and waiting faithfully for her husband's return, while the potter journeys tirelessly to break the charm for her sake.
Evidence in the book
- The Windfairies
Lucilla marries the sailor for love, and later the windfairies' help reunites her family, highlighting love's endurance through hardship.
- The Pool and the Tree
The pool sacrifices its form and travels across the world to reunite with and save the tree.
- The Gipsy's Cup
The potter's wife sacrifices her comfort, weaving and waiting faithfully for her husband's return, while the potter journeys tirelessly to break the charm for her sake.
- Dumb Othmar
Hulda's courageous actions to save Othmar, despite her own fear and lack of beauty, demonstrate selfless love.
- The Rain Maiden
The mother's love for her daughter is tested by her ambition for the girl's royal marriage, while the daughter's love for her mother leads her to refuse the prince.
