Monasticism (symbol)
Monasticism is a symbol of stoicism. Of course, there are monks and nuns who don’t correspond to this word, but Henrick definitely does. “The innocent betray’d victim,” he doesn’t even make an attempt to defend himself. On the contrary, he thinks of Miranda and hopes that Heaven would be able “to forgive” her. He says “no more” and suffers himself “to be led to the magistrate.” Just like Miranda, Henrick has influential acquaintances that could help him, but he refuses to do so. He meets his problems and doesn’t break under their weight, for he knows that he does it for his soul and vows’ sake.
Flames (allegory)
Flames are allegory of passion. Love – just like fire – could be both life-giving and destructive. “The most tormenting flames” that burn in hearts of people can make them behave unreasonably, be cruel, merciless, brings the worst in them. It usually strikes “home and deep, with all the malice of any angry god.” Those “flames” in which Miranda burns are like ones in Hell, it burns all kindness and mercy in her heart and soul out. Those “flames” make her “lay all those considerations aside” and do what she wants, without any hesitation that her deeds can make other people unhappy and deeply wounded.
Love (motif)
They say that “love is the most noble and divine passion of the soul,” so “it is that to which we may justify attribute all the real satisfaction of life.” They also say that “without it man is unfinished and unhappy.” There are many things “to be said of the advantages this generous passion brings to those, whose hearts are capable of receiving its soft impressions”, but we rarely talk about the terrible deeds this feeling can make us do. Not everyone “can be sensible of its tender touches” and this story proves this point.
