Princess
Flavia
Introduction
Princess Flavia is a character from
the novel entitled The Prisoner of Zenda, written by Anthony Hope. She is the
only female character who is not directly involved in the conspiracies, which pervade
the entire atmosphere of the novel. She is the cousin and fiancée of King
Rudolf Elphberg and is the immediate inheritor to the throne. She bears a
bewitching personality and fascinates the readers by the elegant attitude.
Her appearance can be perceived by
Rudolf Rassendyll’s saying:
“A girl pale and lovely, surmounted by a crown of glorious Elphberg
hair.”
Beautiful
Aspects of her Role
Princess Flavia is a young,
captivating and decent lady. She possesses a character full of virtues and
commands great respect and admiration among the people of Ruritania. They wish
to see her as the future queen of the country. She is a noble and kind-hearted
woman.
“Trust men, and they will be true to you; treat them greatly, and they
will show themselves great.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Soberness and
Intelligence
Princess Flavia is a wise woman. Her
wisdom keeps her aware of the evil desires of Black Michael, who is not a good
man. She very intelligently keeps herself away from all sorts of intrigues. She
is a sensible person who has the courage to face the realities of life.
Her intelligence is enlightened when
she said to Rassendyll:
“Do be careful,” she went on, “you don’t – indeed you don’t – keep
enough watch on him.”
Romance
Princess Flavia is a lady with elements
of love in her heart. These elements increase the fascination and temptation in
her character. She sincerely and quite confidently admits her inclination
towards Rassendyll, being impressed by his personality. She was bold enough to
propose Rassendyll but her sensibility restricted her to perform any action
below dignity. She gave heart and soul to Rudolf Rassendyll considering him to
be the real king. She never mourns her decision even after coming to know that
he is a pretender. She confessed that Rudolf Rassendyll was acceptable to him
even if he was a beggar.
“The fate of love is that it always seems too little or too much.”
- Amelia Barr
- Amelia Barr
Devotion
The princess was a sincere and
devoted lady, always worried about the security of Rassendyll. She advised him
time and again to be cautious of the wicked plans of Duke Michael. When Black
Michael was successful in injuring Rassendyll, she at once reached Zenda to
look after him. This action reflects her sense of responsibility and devotion
towards the man whom she loved from the depths of her heart.
She said to Rassendyll:
“Oh, if you were not the king, then I could show you how I love you.”
Duty and
Patriotism
Princess Flavia is a responsible
lady. She very loyal to her country and knows the difference between love and
duty. She sets an example of the greatest sacrifice by giving up her love at
the altar of duty. This aspect of her character shows that she is not the slave
of her passions.
Here sense of duty is enlightened
when she says to Rassendyll:
“Your ring will always be on my finger, your heart in my heart. But you
must go and I must stay.”
The Great
Sacrifice
In order to maintain peace in
Ruritania and not to disgrace the royal family, Princess Flavia took a sensible
and daring step. She sacrificed her love for the sake of her homeland and
parted with Rassendyll forever. It was a noble and graceful decision in the
interest of Ruritania and the Royal family.
“There is no moral authority like that of sacrifice.”
– Nadine Gordimer
– Nadine Gordimer
Conclusion
Princess Flavia proves to be not only
the leading female character of the novel but also the most lively and integral
personality. She holds the attentions of the readers because of her charm, duty
and incredible virtues. She respected the wishes of the people and the country
and gave up her love for the sake of her country. She is a complete symbol of
love, beauty and sacrifice, which makes her an admirable character.
To love one person with a private love is poor and miserable, to love
all is glorious.”
- Thomas Traherne
- Thomas Traherne
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