# Cross Purposes explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by George MacDonald.

## What happens

A tale of mistaken intentions and conflicting desires, where characters pursue their own ends only to find themselves entangled in a web of misunderstanding and irony.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reality vs. Illusion

Characters operate under false assumptions, mistaking appearances for truth, leading to ironic outcomes.

## Character check-ins

### Colin

A central figure in the chapter, whose actions are driven by personal motives that clash with others.

### Nycteris

Her innocent pursuits are misconstrued, leading to cross-purposes with other characters.

### Watho

Manipulates events from behind the scenes, contributing to the misunderstandings.

### Rosamond

Her presence and actions inadvertently fuel the confusion of the chapter.

## Key lines

> Cross Purposes

A situation where individuals or groups have conflicting aims or misunderstand each other's intentions.

_The title encapsulates the central conflict of the chapter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se/chapters/cross-purposes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se/chapters