Part 7/11:
Central to the narrative is the theme of “the pursuit of power at the expense of one's humanity”, a classic tension in stories about political ambition and social upheaval. Early in the story, Cornelia’s interest in social status, etiquette, and impressing others foreshadows her desire to regain influence, risking her personal morals and emotional wellbeing.
Foreshadowing her internal conflict, she demonstrates traits of competitiveness and ambition, such as trying to impress peers or hosting lavish gatherings. These choices hint at her future struggles—balancing social ambition with the risks of losing her authentic self.