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The Duchess's Marital Devotion

The Blazing World

This flow traces the Duchess's attachment to the Duke through exile, care, spiritual reunion, and shared disappointment.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
A Husband in ExileA Husband in Exile from "The Blazing World". A Husband in Exile Shared Hardship The Duchess describes the Duke's banishment and financial losses as defining troubles in their married life.
A Husband in Exile Shared Hardship The Duchess describes the Duke's banishment and financial losses as defining troubles in their married life. Loyalty Without Wealth Her account emphasizes attachment to the man rather than to the material fortune he has lost.
Return to His SideReturn to His Side from "The Blazing World". Return to His Side A Sudden Choice Concern for the Duke's physical strain leads the Duchess's soul to enter his body and care for him directly.
Return to His Side A Sudden Choice Concern for the Duke's physical strain leads the Duchess's soul to enter his body and care for him directly. Domestic Devotion Her action brings spiritual travel back to the intimate responsibilities of marriage.
A Private ConversationA Private Conversation from "The Blazing World". A Private Conversation Souls in Company The Duke's soul converses with the Duchess and the Empress, offering music, stories, and harmless recreations.
A Private Conversation Souls in Company The Duke's soul converses with the Duchess and the Empress, offering music, stories, and harmless recreations. Trust and Jealousy The Duchess briefly feels jealousy when the Duke and Empress grow fond of each other, then dismisses it as incompatible with their Platonick friendship.
A Plea for ReconciliationA Plea for Reconciliation from "The Blazing World". A Plea for Reconciliation A Wife's Hope The Duchess asks the Empress to help settle the Duke's quarrel with Fortune.
A Plea for Reconciliation A Wife's Hope The Duchess asks the Empress to help settle the Duke's quarrel with Fortune. Protective Affection She hopes not for dominance or riches but for an end to the powerful hostility that has afflicted her husband.
Shared Financial LimitsShared Financial Limits from "The Blazing World". Shared Financial Limits The Lost Estate The Duchess speaks of wishing for the former wealth of the household, especially for the Duke's descendants.
Shared Financial Limits The Lost Estate The Duchess speaks of wishing for the former wealth of the household, especially for the Duke's descendants. Contentment and Regret She declines excessive riches, yet both spouses recognize the lasting material consequences of war and misfortune.
Before the Duchess's spiritual journey
During the visit to Welbeck
After the Duchess enters the Duke's body
Before the Empress leaves the Duke's world
During the return from the native world