# What Vanity and Self-Absorption means in Zuleika Dobson

> Zuleika is portrayed as a narcissistic character who thrives on male admiration, using her beauty and conjuring skills primarily for self-display, while the Duke's pride and self-image are central to his tragic decisions.

## Explanation

Zuleika is portrayed as a narcissistic character who thrives on male admiration, using her beauty and conjuring skills primarily for self-display, while the Duke's pride and self-image are central to his tragic decisions.

Zuleika is deeply aware of her beauty and its effect on others, using it to manipulate the undergraduates for her own amusement.

Zuleika's beauty and self-regard cause a stir, while the undergraduates' instant infatuation shows their own vanity and neglect of family.

Zuleika delights in the homage she receives, reads every line printed about her, and revels in her own image as a spectator of her life.

The Duke's dandiacal nature is emphasized—he values his appearance and perfection above all, and his struggle against love is a battle to maintain his self-absorption.

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