What are the motifs in The Thistle and the Rose by Jean Plaidy?

Coming of age is a recurring idea. In some ways, this story seems the perfect coming of age story, but it should be noted that Margaret never really grows out of her need for passion, intrigue and drama. Though without evincing the theme in the overall story, there are points at which Margaret does mature. For example, when Margaret is awaiting her marriage to James, she says that she knows he has a reputation of being the most sensual man in the country.