Princess of Cleves

Much of the Princess of Cleves' troubles relate to her need to preserve reputation. Although, from a twenty-first century perspective, this may seem a vain pursuit, for the princess it is an essential part of survival. As a member of the aristocracy and as a woman, her reputation is her value. The system may be twisted, but the princess belongs to it. Consequently she chooses to marry the Prince de Cleves because she needs the boost to her reputation and the security which a husband will offer, but her other suitors have long since left her. The Princess' reputation has cost her, yet continues to dictate her actions, even after her husband's death when she refuses to pursue her lover, the Duke of Nemours.