Pity

The primary theme in the novel is pity, and how pity can affect the ability of individuals to make decisions and how others use pity to manipulate the behaviors of those around them. In the beginning, Hofmiller feels pity for Edith, who he accidentally insults at a dinner party. This pity causes him to call on her the following day and to begin a relationship with the Kekesfalva's. This pity, however, also causes Hofmiller to lie to Herr Kekesfalva about a cure for his daughter. Hofmiller's pity for Herr Kekesfalva also causes him to agree to an engagement if Edith were to become well, and to allow himself to be engaged to Edith even when ill. It is clear that this pity causes Hofmiller to act in ways he would not do. He lies, and betrays those he cares about as a reaction to pity, and this nearly...