# Dedication explained — The Man Within

> Chapter companion for The Man Within by Graham Greene.

## What happens

The author dedicates the book to his wife Vivienne, using a Thomas Hardy poem to express that plain words can carry precious meaning, just as ordinary chests can hold valuable treasures.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

The dedication to Vivienne, described as 'my wife in wonder,' reflects a deep personal love and the offering of the work as a tribute.

## Key lines

> As common chests encasing wares of price, Are borne with tenderness through halls of state, For what they cover, so the poor device Of homely wording I could tolerate, Knowing its unadornment held as freight, The sweetest image outside Paradise.

Just as plain boxes containing valuable goods are handled carefully in grand halls because of what's inside, I can accept simple language because it carries the most beautiful image imaginable.

_The author uses Hardy's poem to justify his own plain style, suggesting that the content's worth transcends the simplicity of the words._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_within_se/chapters/dedication
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_within_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_within_se/chapters