The Woman in White · Question
How does The Woman in White develop the theme of Love and Sacrifice?
Answer
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins develops Love and Sacrifice across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Romantic and familial love motivate acts of self-sacrifice and perseverance, as Walter dedicates himself to restoring Laura's identity and Marian risks her safety to protect her sister.
Walter's confession of love and his awareness of its hopelessness underscore the theme of forbidden love and the sacrifice it entails.
Walter's love for Laura forces him to sacrifice his position and leave Limmeridge House to protect her.
Walter's love for Laura is marked by jealousy and despair, as he faces the prospect of her marriage to another man.
Evidence in the book
- IX
Walter's confession of love and his awareness of its hopelessness underscore the theme of forbidden love and the sacrifice it entails.
- The Discovery of the Forgery
Walter's love for Laura forces him to sacrifice his position and leave Limmeridge House to protect her.
- XI
Walter's love for Laura is marked by jealousy and despair, as he faces the prospect of her marriage to another man.
- Chapter XV
Walter and Laura's restrained farewell demonstrates their unspoken love and the sacrifice required by social conventions; Walter resolves to leave to avoid further pain.
- II
Laura's distress and her father's deathbed hopes for her marriage create a conflict between love, duty, and personal desire.
- I
Laura's willingness to sacrifice her own happiness and confess her love for Hartright to Sir Percival, rather than deceive him.
- II
Marian's devotion to Laura and her sacrifice of her own feelings; Laura's resigned acceptance of a marriage she does not want.
- V
Laura's continued love for Walter and her sacrifice in marrying Sir Percival for duty are central to her emotional confession.
