Poldark: Elizabeth - George And The Money Marriage Pt2 (Changeable And Fickle In Love)

 

In the previous post, which is the part one of this topic on the changeable and fickle nature of Elizabeth's love, her changes of mind regarding her love interests Ross and Francis were highlighted as a strong theme in Elizabeth's story and character. To recap a little, rather than blow up like a burning fire greater and stronger than ever before, Elizabeth's love for Ross Poldark diminished in his absence. Then, after his return she claimed by her words that her feelings for him changed again on another two separate occasions. These will be explored more fully in the post 'Three Changes Of Mind Loving Ross Poldark'. 

As for Francis, Elizabeth's change of heart came about with the birth of their first child who Elizabeth directed all her love to instead. Describing Geoffrey Charles (and not Ross) as Francis's 'more powerful rival' Graham narrated that for Elizabeth motherhood was an 'all absorbing task' where '...ordinary duties became void.' Also, as their financial situation became dire Elizabeth lacked motivation to work on her marriage even after Francis had changed his more reckless ways, was more positively focused and also when Graham narrated that their relationship had become kinder. As Elizabeth explained to Morwenna, by that time she was just 'tolerating' him.  

In this post Elizabeth's change of mind concerning George is the focus. In this there is the idea that contrary to her lack of motivation to save her marriage with Francis, her willingness to do this with George in many ways only highlights a fickleness in terms of love not being the driving force to this. Indeed the fickleness that underpinned her relationship with George and the reasons she formed a relationship with him in the first place will also be in focus.

George: The One Who Didn't Stand a Chance Until She Needed Him 

Although Elizabeth had not loved George, there was still an element of a change in her mind that she had regarding her relationship with him too. When Ross in the sixth book 'The Four Swans', met Elizabeth at the church graveyard and told her that "He (George) has wanted you since he first saw you....But I never dreamed he had a chance." Elizabeth who was then married to George answered "Neither did I."