Chapter 16: Prove Yourself Summary and Analysis

This is the very first chapter devoted to the third phase of seduction, "the precipice, deepening the effect through extreme measures." The focus during the "proving phase" is mainly on the man. For him, deeds, chivalry, knighthood, and going to great lengths are keys to success. Greene has shown readers part of this in several of the stories used earlier in the book. Was it Genji's flowers and scents? Casanova's notes? Who was that hopping over the wall? In many cases, returns and other shows of faithfulness from women were quite encouraging.

Napoleon's sister terrified many when she had better success, meaning a lover who was able to convince her through his actions that he loved her or some kind of treatment that made it easier for her to believe that he did. Their romance lasted and...