The death of Madame de Chartres’ husband
The death of Madame de Chartres’ is symbolized by the loneliness the widow is going through. Madame decides to stay away from the court and moves with her daughter to Paris to begin. Consequently, death brings loneliness because it snatches loved ones from the existing members of the family.
Mademoiselle de Chartres
The author uses the character Mademoiselle de Chartres as an emblem of natural beauty. When the Prince of Cleves first meets with Mademoiselle, he instantly falls in love with her because of her stunning natural beauty. The Prince is determined to know more about Mademoiselle, and he is resolute to marry her despite him not being the firstborn in his kingship.
The Prince of Cleves
The Prince of Cleves figuratively represents dignity. Mademoiselle accepts to marry the Prince because of his dignity. The reader is surprised to learn that dignity can be a determining factor when choosing a lifetime partner instead of love. However, Mademoiselle started learning how to love her husband, and in the long run, the Prince loved her so much.
The portrait of the Princess of Cleves
The portrait is a symbol of the Duke of Nemours' undying love for Mademoiselle de Chartres. When the Duke of Nemours visits the Prince of Cleves, he steals the princess's portrait to admire her secretly. The princess realizes that the Duke of Nemours has taken her portrait, but she remains silent not to attract public attention of the secretive passion for love.
The complexity of love affairs
The Princess of Cleves' secretive love passion for the Duke of Nemours symbolizes the complexity of love affairs. The Princess of Cleves is married to her husband because he has dignity, but there is no true love, implying lost affection. The Princes later confesses to her husband that she is truly in love with someone. The Prince is surprised to learn that someone has stolen his wife's feelings. Consequently, a successful love affair must be based on true love.
