Gender Identity
Einar has lived most of his life as a man not knowing that he also is biologically female. He begins dressing as a woman and enjoys his life more as a woman than a man. Einar wants to explore this life and begins researching why he as a man feels like a woman. This gender identity crisis leads him to seek medical assistance. Most doctor’s want to cure him of what they see as an affliction. They do not understand him and think that he must identify as man since he has the outward appearance of a man. Professor Bolk helps Einar to see that he is biologically male and female and can choose what gender he wants to be. Einar is happiest as Lili so chooses to live the rest of his life as a woman.
Jealousy
Greta is jealous of Einar’s success as a painter when they are living in Copenhagen. His paintings are admired and sell for much higher prices than her own. She wants to be a great painter in her own right. Greta begins to have this success when she begins painting Lili. When they move to Paris, she becomes the successful painter in the family as Einar puts aside his painting.
In the beginning, Greta is jealous of Lili. She does not like that Lili begins to see Henrik because she sees Einar/Lili as her husband and wants him to remain faithful to their marriage. As Lili begins to become more prominent in their lives, Greta sees that this is not her husband and she cannot control what is happening to him. She accepts that she must let her husband go to save him.
Marriage
Greta is a strong, independent woman at a time when women were expected to marry to find a purpose in their life. Greta’s first marriage ends tragically, and she decides to live life on her own terms. She takes the lead in her marriage to Einar. Her strong personality attracts Einar and makes him feel compelled to do what she wants. Their marriage changes as Einar begins to explore his need to become a woman. It is more a marriage of convenience. Einar feels safe with Greta and she wishes to protect him from a society that will not accept his wish to change his gender. Their marriage eventually ends as Einar permanently becomes Lili and marries Henrik. Throughout their challenges, the two only want what is best for one another.
Love
Greta loves Einar and Lili. She is confused at first by her husband’s behavior and wants to have a more intimate relationship with him but grows to understand that he cannot help the reactions that he has mentally and physically. Einar loves Greta and her acceptance and love for Lili. Greta puts aside her feelings and helps Einar become Lili permanently. She and Lili live together after the operation until Lili reunites with Henrik and eventually marries him. Greta supports Einar/Lili and shows her love for them both as their lives change and evolve.
Societal Acceptance
Einar/Lili is seen as an oddity by some in the medical community. After going to see Dr. Hexler, Einar/Lili and Greta feel compelled to leave Copenhagen so that Einar’s secret is not discovered by anyone. Dr. Hexler wants to cure Einar of what he sees as an affliction. When Einar makes the rounds of the medical facilities in France by Carlisle, he is met with skepticism and one doctor wanting to admit him to a mental facility for schizophrenia. Greta is concerned with anyone learning about Einar’s condition. She does not want Einar/Lili to be harassed by anyone who does not understand or does not approve of his condition. She wants to protect Einar and Lili in any way that she can. She loves both of them.
