Harrison
Harrison’s motives and actions could be interpreted in various ways, as conflicting or ambiguous. What is clear is that he invaded the privacy of Stella’s home, on pretense of liking her, trying to trade the knowledge about her lover for her to become his lover instead. Despite the open ending between the two, and the growing of mutual understanding, it doesn’t take away from the disturbing nature of his actions.
The name Robert
Harrison only introduces himself by his last name, leaving his first name a secret until the very end. In the final plot twist reveal, his first name is in fact Robert, just like the name of Stella’s lover and spy of the enemy side.
Tragic love story
Stella is dedicated to her country and works for the government, so it is ironic that Robert, the love of her life, is the spy of the enemy. It is a classic trope of tragic love story with an inevitable tragic end.
Stella as the villain that destroyed her marriage
After Stella divorced her husband, and Roderick’s father, everyone blamed her for the breaking of the marriage, accusing her of infidelity. It is only after his conversation with Cousin Nettie that Roderick discovers that it was in fact his father who cheated on his mother and asked for divorce to be with another woman. Stella accepted the accusations because she’s rather been a villain in that case, instead of a humiliated victim.
