The Perfume of Eros · Chapter
V: Marie Changes Her Name explained
Marie moves from Gay Street to the Arundel apartment house near Gramercy Park, where Loftus sets her up as his mistress.
What happens
Marie moves from Gay Street to the Arundel apartment house near Gramercy Park, where Loftus sets her up as his mistress. He insists she change her name to Leroy, and she becomes Miss Leroy, surrounded by new clothes, a singing teacher, and a horse-riding instructor. Loftus brings men like Annandale and Orr to her 'aviary,' and Orr delivers a speech on the perfume of Eros. Annandale, engaged to Sylvia, is tempted to visit despite her objections. Marie remains unaware of Loftus's deception, believing their relationship will soon be legitimized.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Deception
Loftus deceives Marie about his intentions, while she believes their relationship will be legitimized, highlighting the theme of deception in love.
Wealth and Materialism
Marie's new life is filled with luxurious clothes, flowers, and a victoria, illustrating the material comforts provided by Loftus.
Gender Roles and Power
Marie's submissive role and Loftus's control over her name, actions, and social life reflect the power imbalance between men and women.
Characters to notice
- Marie Leroy
Marie moves to the Arundel, changes her name to Leroy, and begins a life of luxury as Loftus's mistress, unaware of his lies.
- Royal Loftus
Loftus secures quarters for Marie, insists on her name change, and brings male acquaintances to her apartment, while hiding his deception.
- Arthur Annandale
Annandale is brought to the aviary, hesitates due to Sylvia's objections, but decides to go anyway, influenced by a cocktail.
- Melanchthon Orr
Orr delivers a philosophical speech about the perfume of Eros and the idleness of exceptional women, impressing Marie and Annandale.
- Sylvia Waldron
Sylvia is shocked by Annandale's visit to Loftus's apartment and debates whether to recognize Loftus anymore.
Key passages
“Marie, uncertain of her lover’s creeds, hesitatingly glanced at him. “Yes—in a way. But I won’t, if you object.””
Marie, unsure of Loftus's beliefs, timidly said she believed in God but would stop if he objected.
Shows Marie's submissiveness and desire to please Loftus.
“The perfume of Eros should be about them all.”
Orr suggests that women should be surrounded by the essence of love, implying their sole occupation should be love.
Highlights the theme of gender roles and the idealization of women's passivity.
“Loftus, unable to parade Marie about, paraded her in.”
Since Loftus couldn't show Marie off in public, he brought his male friends to her apartment instead.
Illustrates the secrecy of their arrangement and Loftus's vanity.