# Love and Sacrifice in The Woman in White

> Theme guide for The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ix): Walter's confession of love and his awareness of its hopelessness underscore the theme of forbidden love and the sacrifice it entails.
- [The Summerhouse Interview](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/x): Walter's love for Laura forces him to sacrifice his position and leave Limmeridge House to protect her.
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/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.
- [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ii): Laura's distress and her father's deathbed hopes for her marriage create a conflict between love, duty, and personal desire.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/i): Laura's willingness to sacrifice her own happiness and confess her love for Hartright to Sir Percival, rather than deceive him.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/v): Laura's continued love for Walter and her sacrifice in marrying Sir Percival for duty are central to her emotional confession.
- [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/vi): Marian's selfless dedication to Laura, enduring insults and threats for her sake.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/i): Walter dedicates his life, reputation, and safety to restore Laura's identity and place in the world.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iii): Walter's love for Laura leads him to propose despite her lost fortune and uncertain future; Laura's joy in their union underscores the theme.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/vi): Walter risks his life to save Laura, and his tender farewell to her sleeping form underscores his willingness to sacrifice everything for her.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/themes/love_and_sacrifice
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/themes