Desire for Ownership of Wideacre

While there are many things going on in the lives of the characters, there is no doubt that Beatrice's desire to own Wideacre outright is the overriding theme of this story. It is important to realize that Beatrice does not want to own land for herself—she wants only Wideacre. She grows up believing that she will live at Wideacre forever. She feels the "heartbeat" of the land, can tell at a glance when crops are healthy or in need of some particular aid, and works the land as hard as any owner. Beatrice goes to great lengths to gain Wideacre for herself. She agrees with Ralph's plan to kill her Papa so that the way would be cleared for the two of them to take Wideacre from Harry. Beatrice does not go through with that plan but enters into an incestuous relationship...