“Such were the children whom early education had tended equally to corrupt; and such were the children, whom to preserve from future depravity, required the most vigilant care.”

This quotation introduces Victoria and Leonardo, situating them in the context of having grown up with indulgent and undisciplined parents. While many of Victoria and Leonardo’s faults can be traced back to Laurina’s reckless choices, this quotation makes it clear that they were already in a vulnerable position before their mother’s affair. By foregrounding the parents’ role in shaping the children’s future character, the novel explores The Relationship Between Innate Character and External Influence.

“Not on the young, the ardent, and self-confident Victoria, but on her lovely attractive mother!”

This quotation describes Ardolph beginning to feel desire for Laurina. It exposes the expectation that Ardolph might be interested in Victoria, a young and beautiful girl, but contrasts this assumption with the reality that he lusts after her mother. Victoria and Laurina are presented as sexual rivals despite their mother-daughter relationship, introducing the theme of Sexual Jealousy and Rivalry Between Women.

“In admitting to her thoughts, even for an instant, any other man than her husband […] the unhappy Laurina had advanced one step in the path of vice.”

This quotation describes how Laurina begins to fall prey to Ardolph’s seductions, even though she is initially loyal to and in love with her husband. This quotation reflects the novel’s self-presentation as a kind of parable and moral warning, cautioning that if a woman engages in any illicit activity, however minor or even purely imaginary, it becomes almost impossible for her to avoid spiraling further.