Across books · Theme
Love and Sacrifice
Dick's romantic pursuit of Phyllis Wetherell drives much of the plot, involving daring rescues, personal risk, and a willingness to face danger for her sake, as exemplified by his proposal and the rescue mission on the island.
Love and Sacrifice appears as a literary theme in 143 works in the BetterReads curated set. Each book develops the idea in its own plot, voice, and historical moment — the links below open the book-scoped theme guide beside the text.
Dick's romantic pursuit of Phyllis Wetherell drives much of the plot, involving daring rescues, personal risk, and a willingness to face danger for her sake, as exemplified by his proposal and the rescue mission on the island.
The story examines different forms of love, from Luttra's selfless devotion to Mr. Blake's obsessive guilt and Evelyn's mercenary choices, with characters making profound sacrifices—such as Luttra leaving her husband to protect him from scandal.
Jefferson Hope's undying love for Lucy Ferrier drives him to dedicate his life to avenging her death, while John Ferrier risks everything to protect his daughter from forced marriage, showing love as a powerful motivator for self-sacrifice.
Romantic love is intertwined with sacrifice, as Bunny gives up his beloved to protect her from his criminal life, and Raffles intervenes to try to restore Bunny's relationship, highlighting love's power to inspire selflessness.
Felix’s deep love for Aurora drives his hazardous journey and willingness to endure humiliation, yet his pride and ambition create conflict between his devotion and his desire for personal achievement.
The relationship between Lupin and Clotilde Destange shows how love can drive individuals to commit crimes and sacrifice their morals, as Clotilde admits she acted against her conscience for Lupin's sake.
In each book
’Midst the Wild Carpathians
Romantic and familial love appears in the form of devoted wives like Anna Bornemissa, who sacrifices her comfort to ransom her husband, and in the loyalty of characters who endure hardship for the sake of loved ones.
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A Bid for Fortune
Dick's romantic pursuit of Phyllis Wetherell drives much of the plot, involving daring rescues, personal risk, and a willingness to face danger for her sake, as exemplified by his proposal and the rescue mission on the i
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A Strange Disappearance
The story examines different forms of love, from Luttra's selfless devotion to Mr. Blake's obsessive guilt and Evelyn's mercenary choices, with characters making profound sacrifices—such as Luttra leaving her husband to
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A Study in Scarlet
Jefferson Hope's undying love for Lucy Ferrier drives him to dedicate his life to avenging her death, while John Ferrier risks everything to protect his daughter from forced marriage, showing love as a powerful motivator
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A Thief in the Night
Romantic love is intertwined with sacrifice, as Bunny gives up his beloved to protect her from his criminal life, and Raffles intervenes to try to restore Bunny's relationship, highlighting love's power to inspire selfle
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After London
Felix’s deep love for Aurora drives his hazardous journey and willingness to endure humiliation, yet his pride and ambition create conflict between his devotion and his desire for personal achievement.
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Arsène Lupin Versus Herlock Sholmes
The relationship between Lupin and Clotilde Destange shows how love can drive individuals to commit crimes and sacrifice their morals, as Clotilde admits she acted against her conscience for Lupin's sake.
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Barriers Burned Away
Romantic love is portrayed as a transformative force, with Dennis's selfless devotion to Christine during the fire and his willingness to endure humiliation and hardship for her sake serving as a central plot driver.
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bleak_house
Esther's selfless devotion to Ada, Richard, and John Jarndyce, along with the tragic love between Lady Dedlock and Captain Hawdon, demonstrates how love can inspire both noble sacrifice and destructive obsession.
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Brewster’s Millions
Monty's romance with Peggy Gray is a central thread, with their marriage planned around his financial schemes, emphasizing love as a refuge from materialism and the sacrifices made for a shared future.
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Brood of the Witch-Queen
Robert Cairn's love for Myra Duquesne drives him to risk his life to protect her from Ferrara's schemes, highlighting romantic devotion as a motivating force against evil and a source of vulnerability.
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catriona
David's love for Catriona is central, involving self-sacrifice, financial support, and emotional turmoil, as he navigates her father's manipulations and her own pride, ultimately leading to a union tested by hardship.
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Chance
Captain Anthony's decision to marry Flora is portrayed as an act of selfless devotion, even as it leads to misunderstanding and personal suffering. The novel examines how love can be both a redeeming force and a source o
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Clouds of Witness
Romantic and familial love drive characters to self-sacrifice, as seen in Lady Mary's false confession and Mrs. Grimethorpe's risky testimony to protect the Duke.
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Conan Stories
Passionate, often fatalistic love drives characters like Bêlit and Olivia to extreme acts of devotion and self-sacrifice, transcending death and danger for their beloved.
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Diverging Roads
Romantic love is intertwined with painful choices and self-denial, as seen in Helen's relationships with Paul and Bert, where personal desires are subordinated to duty, economic necessity, or the need for growth.
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Dombey and Son
Contrasting with Dombey's coldness, characters like Florence, Walter Gay, and Captain Cuttle embody selfless love and sacrifice, offering warmth and redemption through their loyalty and care for one another.
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eugenie_grandet
Eugénie's pure and selfless love for her cousin Charles is contrasted with his eventual betrayal, exploring themes of romantic idealism, sacrifice, and the disillusionment that follows when love is met with greed.
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Festus
Romantic and spiritual love is central, particularly between Festus and Helen, where love is portrayed as both a transcendent force and a source of suffering, often requiring sacrifice and devotion.
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File No. 113
Romantic love is portrayed as both a redeeming and destructive force, with characters like Valentine and Gaston risking everything for passion, and Madeleine considering self-sacrifice to protect her family.
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Freckles
The Angel's unconditional love and Freckles' willingness to sacrifice his own desires for her safety highlight the theme of selfless devotion and the redemptive power of love.
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Giant’s Bread
Romantic love is portrayed as both transformative and destructive, with characters like Vernon and Nell facing painful choices between love, duty, and personal ambition, leading to profound loss.
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Hadrian the Seventh
The theme of love appears in various forms—from the protagonist's affection for his cat to his pastoral care for others, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice and martyrdom, suggesting love as the key to resolving diffic
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I Will Repay
Love transforms characters, driving Juliette to sacrifice her own life and reputation to save Déroulède, and Déroulède to risk everything for her, highlighting the redemptive and selfless power of romantic love.
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If I Had a Father
Love manifests in various forms—parental love, friendship, and romantic longing. Characters like Mattie sacrifice her own comfort to protect Susan, and Colonel Gervaise risks everything to help his son, showing love as a
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Irish Fairy Tales
Love drives characters to extreme acts, such as Segda's willingness to die for Ireland, Becfola's forbidden passion for Crimthann, and Mongan's exchange of his wife Duv Laca for a herd of cows, highlighting both noble an
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Krakatit
Romantic love appears as both a redeeming and destructive force, with characters like the Princess willing to sacrifice status and safety, while Prokop must choose between love and his dangerous secret.
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Lilith
The protagonist's devotion to Lona, his willingness to carry Lilith despite her hatred, and the selfless care of the Little Ones by Lona and Mara highlight love as a force that demands sacrifice, patience, and a willingn
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Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories
Lord Arthur's willingness to commit murder for Sybil's sake, and his secret self-sacrifice, highlight the theme of love as a driving force that justifies extreme actions.
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Lord Tony’s Wife
The narrative repeatedly shows characters making profound personal sacrifices for love, as seen in Sir Percy Blakeney leaving his wife Marguerite to rescue his friend's wife, and in Marguerite's own courageous endurance
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lord_jim
Jim's relationship with Jewel is marked by intense, protective love and sacrifice, as she fears for his life and he ultimately chooses to face death rather than betray his adopted community's trust.
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Lorna Doone
John and Lorna's love transcends social barriers, danger, and personal loss. Their willingness to give up wealth, status, and safety for each other is a central driving force, exemplified by Lorna's plan to renounce her
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lost_illusions
Love is portrayed as both a source of devotion and disillusionment; Eve's selfless support of David and Lucien contrasts with Louise de Bargeton's pride and eventual abandonment of Lucien for social gain.
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Magnificent Obsession
Romantic and familial love are portrayed as complex forces that require sacrifice and understanding, as seen in the strained relationships between Bobby and Helen, Joyce and Tom, and the unrequited devotion of Nancy Ashf
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María
The central romance between Efraín and María is marked by intense devotion and the willingness to sacrifice personal happiness for the beloved's well-being, as seen in Efraín's acceptance of María's fatal illness and his
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Melmoth the Wanderer
Isidora's love for Melmoth involves immense personal sacrifice, including her family, faith, and safety, illustrating the theme of devotion intertwined with suffering and tragic consequences.
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Metropolis
Freder's love for Maria drives him to abandon his privileged life and descend into the workers' world, enduring physical and emotional suffering. Maria's love for Freder and her maternal care for the children lead her to
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Midwinter
Romantic love intertwines with political intrigue, as Claudia's devotion to her husband blinds her to his treachery, and Alastair's protective feelings for her drive his vengeful resolve.
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Moonfleet
Romantic love between John and Grace Maskew is a driving force, leading John to risk his life to see her, while Elzevir's paternal love for John and his own lost son David underscores themes of sacrifice and devotion ami
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Noli Me Tangere
The romantic relationship between Ibarra and María Clara is tested by social pressures, family secrets, and colonial intrigue, illustrating how personal love is often sacrificed to larger political and moral forces.
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Nostromo
Romantic and familial love, such as Antonia's devotion to Decoud and Mrs. Gould's loyalty to her husband, are tested by political turmoil and personal ambition, often requiring sacrifice.
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O Pioneers!
The narrative explores different forms of love—from Alexandra's selfless devotion to her family and land to the tragic, forbidden passion between Emil and Marie, which leads to heartbreak and death.
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On a Pincushion
Love is portrayed as requiring sacrifice and often leads to tragedy, as in the doomed romance between the Sunbeam and Moonbeam, who perish rather than be separated, and in Erick's unrequited love for the vain Lamorna.
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On the Eve
The central romance between Elena and Insarov is defined by mutual sacrifice—Elena abandons her family, country, and social position to follow Insarov to Bulgaria, while Insarov dedicates his life to the liberation of hi
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Perishable Goods
The love between Mansel and Adèle is portrayed as transcendent, but it is also marked by sacrifice—Mansel gives his life, and Adèle must bear the loss. Their relationship is framed as a 'yoke' that both willingly carry.
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Phineas Redux
Characters repeatedly face choices between love and duty, with women like Lady Laura Kennedy and Madame Goesler sacrificing personal happiness or reputation for the men they love, while Phineas navigates romantic entangl
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Pimpernel and Rosemary
The narrative explores the tension between personal love and the sacrifices demanded by duty, honor, and moral conviction, particularly through Rosemary's internal conflict between her love for Peter and her marriage to
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Poetry
Love is portrayed as a transformative, often sacrificial force, whether in romantic devotion, maternal care, or patriotic duty, exemplified in 'Nepenthe,' 'A Mother's Birthday,' and poems honoring war dead.
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Poor Folk
Makar's deep, paternal love for Barbara drives him to constant self-sacrifice, denying himself food, clothing, and comfort to provide her with gifts and support, while Barbara's gratitude and concern for Makar's well-bei
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Quo Vadis
The transformative power of love, particularly between Vinicius and Lygia, which demands personal sacrifice, renunciation of worldly desires, and a willingness to face persecution and death for the beloved and for faith.
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R.U.R.
Romantic and selfless love emerges as a redemptive force, exemplified by Primus and Helena's devotion to each other, which ultimately preserves the possibility of a new human-like future.
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Resurrection
The novel contrasts selfish, sensual love (Nekhlúdoff's initial seduction) with selfless, redemptive love (his later offer of marriage, Símonson's platonic devotion), suggesting that true love involves sacrifice and serv
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Riders of the Purple Sage
Characters repeatedly sacrifice their own safety, wealth, and social standing for love: Jane risks everything for Venters and Lassiter, Lassiter gives up his vengeance for Jane, and Venters protects Bess at great persona
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Robbery Under Arms
Romantic love is a source of hope and pain, as seen in Jim's devotion to Jeanie, Dick's relationship with Gracey, and Aileen's love for Starlight; these relationships drive characters toward redemption or deeper tragedy.
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Romance
The central romance between Juan and Seraphina is marked by selfless devotion, as Juan offers his life for her safety, and Carlos’s dying wish binds them together despite overwhelming odds.
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Room 13
Johnny Gray's enduring love for Marney drives his actions, including his willingness to accept imprisonment and later risk his life to save her, while Marney's forced marriage and Peter Kane's decisions reflect sacrifice
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Saragossa
The romantic relationship between Augustine and Mariquilla unfolds against the backdrop of war, highlighting how personal love persists and is tested amidst collective suffering and social prejudice.
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Seven Pillars of Wisdom
The dedication to 'S.A.' frames the entire revolt as a personal act of love, with Lawrence drawing men into war to earn freedom for a beloved, only for death to claim that person, rendering the struggle a shattered monum
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Short Fiction
Romantic love drives key plot points, including Garin's devotion to Thrala, Thrala's willingness to sacrifice herself to the Black Ones, and the eventual resolution of misunderstandings between Garin, Thrala, and Dandtan
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Short Fiction
Romantic love is often portrayed as doomed or fraught with peril, as in Schalken's love for Rose, which is interrupted by a demonic pact, or the passionate but tragic attachments that lead to ruin and heartbreak.
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Short Fiction
Romantic love often requires great personal risk or sacrifice, such as Gjermund and Sigrid's forbidden love, the suitors risking death for the cormorant girl's ring, and Jack's perilous journey for Seimke.
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Short Fiction
Love is portrayed as a transformative and often painful force, requiring personal sacrifice, as seen in Petter Nord's devotion to Edith, the fisherman's wife's endurance of deception, and the mother's unwavering love for
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Short Fiction
Romantic love is portrayed as a force that compels sacrifice, as seen in Tsuya's willingness to elope and risk everything for Shinsuké, and Osayo's desperate search for Kakutaro despite warnings of supernatural danger.
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Short Fiction
Love is portrayed as a transformative force requiring personal sacrifice, as seen in Evelyn's decision to marry the blind man despite societal disapproval, and in the selfless care shown by family members and friends for
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Short Fiction
Love is often linked to sacrifice and suffering, as seen in Effie's devotion to her child and partner, and the mother who dies alone after struggling for her family.
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Short Fiction
Love appears as a redemptive but often painful force, with characters sacrificing their own happiness for others, such as the narrator giving up Masha, the artist's devotion to Nadejda Nicolaievna, and Sonia's selfless s
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Short Fiction
The book explores love as a tragic, self-sacrificing force, often unrequited or doomed, as seen in stories like 'The Bracelet of Garnets' where a poor telegraphist's obsessive love leads to his ruin, and in the ensign's
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Short Plays
Characters repeatedly renounce personal desires for the sake of others, as seen in Bashville's selfless declaration of love and Cashel's willingness to abandon his fighting career for Lydia.
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Strong Poison
The developing relationship between Wimsey and Harriet involves themes of selfless devotion, as Wimsey risks his reputation to prove her innocence and later refrains from exploiting her gratitude, while Harriet grapples
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Sybil
Romantic love is portrayed as a force that transcends class boundaries, as seen in the relationship between Egremont and Sybil, but it is also tested by personal sacrifice, loyalty, and the demands of political and famil
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Tarzan and the Ant Men
Romantic love appears in multiple forms, including Janzara's obsessive and destructive love for Tarzan, Talaskar and Komodoflorensal's mutual devotion, and the sacrifices characters make for loved ones, such as risking d
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Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle
Romantic love appears in the relationships between Ateja and Zeyd, and Blake and Guinalda, where characters risk danger and make sacrifices for their beloved, contrasting with arranged or mercenary unions.
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The Blithedale Romance
The relationships among Coverdale, Hollingsworth, Zenobia, and Priscilla are marked by unrequited love, jealousy, and self-sacrifice, with Priscilla's devoted care for the broken Hollingsworth and Zenobia's tragic demise
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The Book of Khalid
Romantic and familial love are portrayed as both redemptive and destructive, with Khalid's relationships (with Najma, Mrs. Gotfry, and his mother) demanding profound personal sacrifice.
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The Breaking of the Storm
Love is portrayed as a force that demands personal sacrifice, evident in Elsa's willingness to give up her inheritance for Reinhold, and in the passionate, often destructive relationships between characters like Ottomar,
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The Castle of Otranto
Romantic love, particularly between Theodore and Matilda, is portrayed as pure and selfless, often requiring sacrifice, as seen in Matilda's devotion to her mother and Theodore's willingness to risk his life.
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The Chessmen of Mars
The narrative centers on Gahan's love for Tara of Helium, driving him to risk his life repeatedly, disguise himself as a panthan, and fight in deadly games to win her freedom and affection, illustrating love as a force t
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The Child of the Cavern
Harry's love for Nell drives him to protect her and educate her about the world, while Nell's past sacrifices and her eventual confession reveal the depth of her love and her willingness to risk everything for others.
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The Confessions of Arsène Lupin
Romantic and familial love motivate acts of sacrifice and rescue, such as Yvonne d'Origny's desperate efforts to save her son, and Lupin's intervention to protect women in distress, though love is often entangled with da
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The Dark Other
Patricia's unwavering devotion to Nicholas despite his dangerous alter ego, and her willingness to endure pain and risk her own safety to protect him, highlights love as a powerful but potentially self-destructive force.
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The Deluge
Romantic relationships, especially between Kmita and Olenka, are tested by war, moral failings, and the need for redemption, with love often requiring personal sacrifice.
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The First Sir Percy
Gilda's willingness to sacrifice her freedom and dignity to save her beloved, and Diogenes' choice to abandon personal happiness for duty, highlight love as a force that demands profound selflessness.
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The Forerunner
Love is portrayed as a force that bridles desires and demands purity, as in the poem 'Love,' and in 'The Last Watch,' where the Forerunner's love is disguised as hate to protect others, ultimately leading to personal sha
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The Four Feathers
Ethne's and Durrance's sacrifices for love—Ethne's loyalty to Harry despite his absence, and Durrance's willingness to step aside—highlight how love often requires personal renunciation and endurance.
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The Gadfly
Love appears in multiple forms—romantic, filial, and spiritual—often intertwined with sacrifice, as characters like Gemma, Montanelli, and the Gadfly endure profound personal loss and self-destruction for the sake of the
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The Gods of Mars
John Carter's enduring love for Dejah Thoris drives his actions across worlds, leading him to risk death repeatedly, while other characters like Thuvia and Phaidor demonstrate the destructive and selfless aspects of love
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The Golden Triangle
The central romance between Patrice and Coralie is intertwined with self-sacrifice, as both characters risk their lives to protect each other, echoing the tragic love story of their parents.
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The Great Impersonation
Romantic relationships are entangled with political intrigue, as characters like Princess Eiderstrom and Lady Dominey navigate love that is complicated by duty, deception, and the demands of espionage, often requiring pe
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The Hollow Needle
Lupin’s love for Raymonde de Saint-Véran drives him to risk his freedom and reputation, while Raymonde’s loyalty and courage are tested, showing how personal affection can intersect with criminal enterprise.
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The House of Rimmon
True love is portrayed through Ruahmah's selfless devotion to Naaman, as she risks her life, endures captivity, and sacrifices her own identity to heal and save him, contrasting with Tsarpi's selfish and manipulative des
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The Just Men of Cordova
The romantic subplot between Frank Fellowe (a policeman of independent means) and May Sandford involves personal sacrifice, as Frank must choose between his career and his love, while May faces pressure to marry for mone
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The King in Yellow
Romantic love appears as both a redemptive and destructive force, with characters like the Demoiselle d'Ys and the narrator of 'The Repairer of Reputations' experiencing passionate devotion that leads to sacrifice, trage
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The Last Man
Love is portrayed as a powerful, often painful force that drives characters to sacrifice ambition, power, and even life itself, exemplified by Raymond's choice of Perdita over a kingdom and his eventual self-sacrifice in
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The Laughing Cavalier
The developing relationship between Diogenes and Gilda Beresteyn is marked by self-sacrifice, as Diogenes risks his life and reputation to protect her, ultimately choosing her safety and happiness over his own freedom an
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The Law and the Lady
Valeria's unwavering love for Eustace drives her to sacrifice her own comfort and reputation, while Eustace's shame leads him to separate from her, showing love as both a motivating and destructive force.
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The Leavenworth Case
Romantic and familial love motivate self-sacrifice, as seen in Eleanore's protection of Mary, Raymond's devotion to Eleanore, and the destructive passion of Henry Clavering and James Harwell.
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The Lerouge Case
Romantic love drives many characters' actions, such as Claire d'Arlange's unwavering faith in Albert, the Count's tragic love for Valerie, and the sacrifices made by lovers across social divides, often leading to sufferi
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The Lost Continent
The relationship between Deucalion and Nais is marked by self-sacrifice, loyalty, and emotional restraint, as they endure public execution rituals and political machinations, with love emerging as a force that transcends
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The Magician
Arthur's deep, devoted love for Margaret drives him to extreme lengths, including risking his life and sanity, while Susie's unrequited love leads her to assist in dangerous rituals for his peace.
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The Magnificent Ambersons
Isabel Amberson's unfulfilled love for Eugene Morgan and her eventual sacrifice of personal happiness for family reputation and her son's demands highlight the destructive power of societal expectations on romantic relat
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The Man Within
The relationship between Andrews and Elizabeth is marked by sacrifice, as she risks her safety to shelter him, and he ultimately risks his life to protect her. Their connection contrasts with Andrews's earlier lustful en
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The Master Mind of Mars
Ulysses Paxton’s love for Valla Dia drives him to undertake dangerous missions, risking his life to restore her body and identity, highlighting how love motivates selfless acts in a world dominated by self-interest.
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The Midnight Guest
The romance between Walter and Vera is tested by secrets, social barriers, and Vera's sense of duty to her mother, culminating in a commitment that requires patience and personal sacrifice.
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The Moon Maid
Romantic relationships, such as between Julian and Nah-ee-lah, are intertwined with political conflict, requiring personal sacrifice and acts of bravery to protect loved ones and uphold honor.
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The Mucker
Love acts as a catalyst for change, with Billy's devotion to Barbara Harding inspiring him to reject his former life, endure suffering, and seek to become worthy of her, while characters like Theriere also sacrifice them
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The Murder on the Links
Romantic love drives key actions, such as Bella Duveen falsely confessing to murder to save Jack Renauld, and Jack's mother protecting her son's future at great personal cost, illustrating how love can lead to self-sacri
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The Mystery of a Hansom Cab
Madge Frettlby's unwavering faith in Brian's innocence and Brian's willingness to protect Madge from the truth about her father demonstrate how love motivates self-sacrifice and loyalty in the face of adversity.
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The Mystery of the Yellow Room
The relationship between Mademoiselle Stangerson and Robert Darzac involves deep personal sacrifice, as Darzac is willing to risk his own freedom to protect her, and she endures suffering to shield him.
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The Necklace of Princess Fiorimonde
Arasmon's devoted search for his lost wife Chrysea and Chrysea's selfless act to break the village's spell highlight how love motivates sacrifice, while Prince Michael's infatuation with Princess Joan leads to his tragic
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The Necromancers
Maggie's courageous and selfless determination to save Laurie from obsession and possession demonstrates love as an active, protective force that requires personal risk and endurance.
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The Outlaw of Torn
The love between Norman of Torn and Bertrade de Montfort crosses class and legal boundaries, leading to personal sacrifice, public defiance, and a climactic confrontation where Bertrade declares her love despite the soci
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The Phantom of the Opera
Raoul's love for Christine leads him to risk his life to rescue her, while Christine ultimately shows compassion for Erik, sacrificing her own freedom to save Raoul.
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The Pit-Prop Syndicate
Seymour Merriman's love for Madeleine Coburn drives him to risk his safety and persist in investigating the syndicate, while Madeleine refuses marriage to protect him from the disgrace and danger associated with her fath
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The Ponson Case
Romantic love drives key characters, especially Lois Drew's unwavering support for Austin despite his arrest and the stigma of his birth, demonstrating love's power to transcend social shame and personal risk.
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The Portent
The central romance between Duncan and Lady Alice is marked by intense devotion, mutual sacrifice, and the willingness to endure separation, madness, and social ostracism for the sake of their bond, ultimately leading to
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The Prisoner of Zenda
Romantic love is portrayed as a powerful force that demands sacrifice, most notably when Rudolf must renounce Flavia to restore the rightful king, and Flavia later marries for duty despite her love for Rudolf.
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The Return of Tarzan
Tarzan's love for Jane Porter drives him to renounce his title and endure great personal suffering, while Jane's loyalty and eventual reunion with Tarzan highlight the theme of enduring love overcoming obstacles.
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The Roots of the Mountains
Romantic love is portrayed as both a powerful, transformative force and a source of conflict, requiring characters like Face-of-god, the Sun-beam, and the Bride to navigate desire, duty, and the pain of renunciation for
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The Sea Hawk
The relationship between Sir Oliver and Rosamund is marked by misunderstanding, suffering, and ultimate sacrifice, with Oliver risking his life and freedom to save her despite her earlier rejection.
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The Secret City
Characters like Vera, Lawrence, and Bohun experience intense, often unrequited or conflicted love, leading to personal sacrifice, knightly quests, and emotional turmoil set against the backdrop of war and revolution.
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The Shaving of Shagpat
The betrothal between Shibli Bagarag and Noorna bin Noorka is a driving force, with Noorna's transformation and her guidance motivating the hero. Their love requires patience, trust, and sacrifice, and it is ultimately r
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The Slaves of the Padishah
Romantic love is portrayed as a powerful, often tragic force that drives characters to extreme acts of devotion, self-sacrifice, and even death, as seen in Feriz Beg's unwavering love for Aranka and Azrael's desperate ac
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The Son of Tarzan
Korak's love for Meriem leads him to renounce his own desires and watch over her from afar, prioritizing her happiness and safety over his own.
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The Splendid Spur
Romantic and platonic love compel characters to risk their lives, as seen in Jack's devotion to Delia, Joan's selfless nursing, and Anthony's fatal loyalty, underscoring love as a powerful motivator for personal sacrific
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The Story of Gösta Berling
Romantic love drives characters to both self-destruction and selflessness, exemplified by Marianne Sinclair's forbidden kiss with Gösta, Countess Elizabeth's confession to save him, and Anna Stjärnhök's arranged marriage
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The Sundering Flood
Osberne and Elfhild's love requires patience, risk, and personal sacrifice, as Osberne must leave home and go to war to eventually find a way to be with her, underscoring love as a driving but costly force.
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The Sword of Damocles
Romantic love drives major plot decisions, from Bertram abandoning music for Wall Street to win Miss Preston, to Paula's internal conflict between affection and duty. Characters repeatedly sacrifice personal ambition, re
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The Turmoil
The romance between Bibbs and Mary is tested by misunderstandings about motive and poverty, with both characters making sacrifices—Bibbs entering business for Mary's sake, and Mary confronting her own past actions—to pro
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The Venetians
Love is portrayed as both a redeeming and a destructive force, with characters like Lisa refusing a wealthy marriage out of love, and Eve sacrificing her happiness for her husband's peace, while Vansittart sacrifices his
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The Vicomte de Bragelonne
The book explores the pain and nobility of unrequited love, particularly through Raoul de Bragelonne's devotion to Louise de La Vallière, who loves the king, and the sacrifices characters make for love, often leading to
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The Well of Loneliness
The narrative examines the depth of love between Stephen and Mary, and the painful sacrifices Stephen makes—including giving up Mary—to protect her from the shame and hardship of their shared life.
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The Windfairies
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
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The Wings of the Dove
Milly's genuine love for Merton Densher, contrasted with Kate and Densher's calculated affection, raises questions about the nature of true love, selflessness, and the cost of emotional honesty.
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The Woman in White
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.
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The Wonderful Visit
The Angel's growing affection for the servant Delia, and his ultimate sacrifice of rushing into the burning vicarage to save her, demonstrates a pure, selfless love that transcends social boundaries.
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the_valley_of_fear
The romance between McMurdo and Ettie Shafter illustrates love as a motivating force for change and sacrifice, as Ettie urges McMurdo to leave his criminal life and he risks everything to protect her.
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There Is Confusion
Romantic and familial love are central, with characters making profound sacrifices—Joanna’s public lie to protect Peter, Maggie’s devotion to Philip, and Peter’s struggle to prove himself—highlighting love as both a sour
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These Old Shades
Avon's love for Léonie is expressed through sacrifice—refusing to marry her due to his age and reputation, and letting her go to her family—demonstrating that true love sometimes requires letting go.
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Toilers of the Sea
Gilliatt's herculean efforts to salvage the Durande are ultimately motivated by his love for Déruchette, Lethierry's niece, representing a selfless sacrifice that drives the narrative's emotional core.
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Trent’s Last Case
Trent's decision to suppress his manuscript to protect Mrs. Manderson's reputation, despite his professional triumph, exemplifies how love and chivalry can override personal ambition and justice.
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Victory
Lena's love for Heyst drives her to self-sacrifice, as she attempts to protect him from the violent intruders, even at the cost of her own life. The novel examines love as both a cruel consolation and a force that can in
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When the World Shook
Arbuthnot's deep love for Yva transcends time and mortality, culminating in her ultimate sacrifice to save him and his friends, illustrating a love that is eternal and spiritual rather than merely physical or temporal.
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World’s End
The romance between Aymer and Violet is tested by poverty, separation, and tragedy, with their love portrayed as a source of resilience against the corrupting forces of wealth and social pressure.
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