Love and Relationships
The book explores love and the relationship between several characters. First, Henry Thresk, the main character in the book, goes to Sussex for a holiday and a young woman, Stella Derrick, falls in love with him. However, he ignores Stella’s love feelings to concentrate on his career. Stella goes ahead and falls in love with an Indian called Ballantyne. The love between the two comes to an end when Stella shoots and kills him. Lastly, Stella falls in love and gets married to Dick Hazlewood.
The Theme of Violence
Violence in the book is displayed through Mr. Ballantyne who mistreats and beats up Stella regularly. Since she was married, Stella has never known peace. Mr. Ballantyne is portrayed as a drunkard who abuses his wife intentionally. When Stella becomes fed up with her husband’s mistreatment, she retaliates by killing him with a gun.
Education and Career
Education and career are integral themes in the book. Henry Thresk is an educated lawyer who wants the best for his life. Henry is so serious about education that he turns down Stella’s proposal for love. This makes him become a prominent barrister. He concentrates on his career most of the time. Henry’s good career makes him to be hired in India by Mr. and Mrs. Carruthers.
Isolation and Alienation
Stella Derrick feels isolated and alienated when Henry turns down her proposal and leaves her in Sussex. Stella falls in love with Henry, but he is disinterested. When Henry takes a train and leaves for London, Stella feels isolated. Besides, Stella is isolated in her marriage with Mr. Ballantyne. Mr. Ballantyne is never there for Stella. This makes her feel lonely and alienated.
Perjury and False Statement
When Stella Derrick is accused of killing her husband, Henry Thresk decides to come for her defense. Stella is likely to be convicted. However, Henry commits perjury and gives a false statement to rescue her. The judges believe the false statement given by Henry and lastly, acquit Stella. The perjury eye-witness evidence is enough to make Stella acquitted.
