The Theme of Love
John Vanbrugh uses the characters Loveless and Amanda to build the primary theme of love. Loveless is doing everything possible to assure Amanda that despite the challenges they go through, his love for is like a fixed rock. Not even a hurricane can stop his love for her. Amanda feels pampered and honored. Loveless is planning to travel to London and he is doing everything possible to assure his wife that there is no other woman who is going to shake his love for her. There are going to be temptations from all sides but he is going to emerge victorious. Amanda is happy with his assurance and she promises him in return that she is going to be faithful. The author is specific that love is not an easy task because of many challenges that come with it. However, the primary message that he passes to the reader is that communication and assurance is key regardless of the distance between the two partners.
The Theme of Court Protocols
Scene two of the play takes place in a court setting. The author uses characters such as Young Flash, Tayl, Lord Flop, and La Var to help the reader understand how court proceedings are executed. Additionally, a conversational etiquette must be adhered to. For instance, the presiding judge has to be referred to as 'Your Lordship.’ For instance, when talking to the judge, La Var says, “Me Lord, de Shoemaker, de Taylor, de Hosier, de Sempstress, de Peru, be already if your Lordship please to dress." Similarly, when Tayl responds to the judge he asks, “Why, is he made a Lord?——My Lord, I ask your Lordship's Pardon; my Lord, I hope, my Lord, your Lordship will please to own, I have brought your Lordship as accomplish'd a Suit of Clothes, as ever Peer of England trode the Stage in, my Lord: Will your Lordship please to try 'em now?”
The Themes of Obedience and Submissiveness
The author uses the characters, Amanda and Loveless, to portray the theme of submissiveness and obedience. Amanda is a respective woman who does not go against the wishes of her husband. Throughout the play, she responds with respect and utmost submissiveness to her husband. She does not oppose her husband's wishes and directions. For instance, when Loveless asks her if she loves the lodgings in town, she responds, “I am satisfy'd with everything that pleases you; else I had not come to Town at all.” The audience learns an important lesson when it comes to sustaining a marriage. Respect and submissiveness is a critical aspect in marriage and this is demonstrated by the relationship between Loveless and Amanda.
