# XXXIV: Paula Makes Her Choice explained — The Sword of Damocles

> Chapter companion for The Sword of Damocles by Anna Katharine Green.

## What happens

In the Sylvester mansion, Mr. Sylvester awaits Paula's decision. His nephew Bertram shares his joy about Miss Stuyvesant, then leaves. Paula enters, troubled, and reveals her fear of marrying him. She asks him to be her advisor, and he, though anguished, tells her to follow her own heart. She then burns a letter from Mr. Ensign, showing her choice, and leaves. Mr. Sylvester feels relief and hope, having shared his secret with her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Paula's choice involves sacrificing one suitor for another, and Mr. Sylvester sacrifices his own desires for Paula's happiness.

### Secrets and Past Sins

Mr. Sylvester's hidden past is revealed to Paula, and he feels relief at sharing his secret.

### Guilt and Redemption

Mr. Sylvester's guilt over his past is assuaged by Paula's understanding, offering a path to redemption.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Sylvester

Waits anxiously for Paula's decision, shows deep emotion and vulnerability, ultimately encourages her to follow her heart.

### Paula

Struggles with her choice, asks Mr. Sylvester for advice, burns Mr. Ensign's letter, showing her commitment.

### Bertram Mandeville

Visits his uncle, excited about his own romantic prospects, leaves for his engagement.

### Mr. Ensign

His letter is burned by Paula, indicating her rejection of his proposal.

## Key lines

> Good fortune then, To make me bless't or cursed'st among men.

Fortune will either bring me great happiness or great misery.

_Epigraph from Merchant of Venice, setting the tone for Paula's decision._

> I am afraid my love is something like a torrent that has once burst its barrier; it cannot rest until it has worked its channel and won its rightful repose.

My love is like a flood that has broken through a dam; it cannot stop until it finds its natural course and peace.

_Bertram describes his overwhelming love for Miss Stuyvesant._

> Condemned to be my own executioner!

I am forced to destroy my own hopes.

_Mr. Sylvester's anguish when he realizes Paula's hesitation._

> I shall not live to whisper, 'If she knew my whole life, would she love me so well?'

I will no longer have to wonder if she would love me if she knew my past.

_Mr. Sylvester's relief at having revealed his secret to Paula._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxiv-paula-makes-her-choice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters