Death and Sacrifice

Death is romanticized as a grand gesture of love, with the Duke and hundreds of students choosing suicide to prove their devotion to Zuleika, treating it as an artistic and noble act.

The Duke romanticizes death as a 'fiery rapture' and a 'true bridal,' viewing it as a noble escape from unrequited love.

The Duke's plan to drown himself for Zuleika exemplifies the theme of romantic sacrifice, treating death as the ultimate expression of love.

The Duke declares his intention to die for Zuleika, and the other diners vow to follow him, treating death as a romantic and voluntary act.

The Duke's planned suicide for Zuleika is central; Zuleika's black pearls symbolize her mourning and acceptance of his sacrifice.