The Albanian Virgin | Themes & Symbolism

The Albanian Virgin Significant Topics

Deceit

Deceit is a theme in the story in two instances. When Nelson and the narrator begin an affair, they are both deceiving their spouses. They continue to deceive their spouses when they do not come clean with the affair. When the affair finally comes out, both Donald and Sylvia feel that they have been betrayed. Lottar is also betrayed by the tribe when she is sold to the Muslim man for marriage. The tribe expected to benefit from her being sold since they are so poor.

Family Honor

Family honor is shown in the beginning of the story when the guide that is leading Lottar is shot and killed by the tribe. It turns out that the guide had killed a member of that tribe so the tribe is just retaliating. Family honor is an expected trait and it will continue along the family line as long as sons are being born.