# I: Disenchantment explained — The Perfume of Eros

> Chapter companion for The Perfume of Eros by Edgar Saltus.

## What happens

Marie, now living as Loftus's mistress in the Arundel, reflects on the past year of her life. She has grown in beauty and voice, but her soul has been tormented by the realization that Loftus has lied to her about their marriage. She recalls their journey to Europe, his evasions, and the painful encounter in Central Park where she saw him with Mrs. Annandale. Despite her love and infatuation, she begins to accept the monstrous fact of his deception, leading to a deep sense of humiliation and disenchantment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Deception

Marie's love for Loftus is built on his lies about marriage, leading to her deep disillusionment. The chapter explores how deception can poison even the most devoted love.

### Gender Roles and Power

Marie's powerlessness as a woman in a relationship with a man who controls the narrative of their future is evident. She is trapped by societal expectations and her own infatuation.

### Betrayal and Heartbreak

Marie's heartbreak is palpable as she realizes Loftus's betrayal, both in his lies about marriage and his public appearance with another woman. The chapter captures the agony of a broken heart.

## Character check-ins

### Marie Durand

Marie, now living as Loftus's mistress, experiences deep disillusionment as she realizes he has lied about their marriage. She reflects on the past year, her growing beauty and voice, and her increasing sense of humiliation and degradation.

### Royal Loftus

Loftus is revealed as a cad who has deceived Marie with false promises of marriage. He is seen driving with Mrs. Annandale, and his excuses for delaying the marriage are exposed as lies.

### Mrs. Annandale

Mrs. Annandale is the woman Marie sees with Loftus in Central Park, leading to Marie's painful realization of his infidelity. Loftus introduces her as an old friend, but Marie is hurt and confused.

### Blanche

Blanche is the negress servant Marie hires after dismissing her other servants due to their lack of respect for her. She talks Irish and is a minor figure in Marie's household.

## Key lines

> It is only through our own heart that it is possible to attempt to read the heart of another.

We can only understand others by looking into our own hearts.

_Marie tries to understand Loftus's behavior by reflecting on her own feelings._

> The monster to which Marie was accustoming herself was the knowledge that her lover had lied.

Marie was slowly getting used to the terrible truth that her lover had deceived her.

_This marks the central realization of the chapter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/i-disenchantment
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters