SELFLESSNESS
POWER
Ella’s selflessness is evident throughout the story. Perhaps her greatest act of selflessness is when she refuses Char’s marriage proposal in order to keep him safe, even though she loves him and wants to be his wife.
Although Ella is born into wealth and privilege, her gift of obedience causes her to lose control of her own actions. She does not have the power to make her own choices. Hattie abuses her power by tormenting and tricking Ella into doing things she doesn’t want to do.
Say you'll marry me, Ella.
No! No, I won't marry you! No one can force me!
I choose my own friends.
My dear, I hate to cause you grief, but you must end your friendship with her.