Passion

Passion is clearly evident in Crossen's relationship with Bridie and only suggested in the main character's with her husband, but both appear to share the same intensity and the same difficult consequences. Bridie was “mad with love” for Crossen, which only strengthened after their marriage. Ned notes that “it was like as if she was driven on by some kind of a fever.” She did everything she could around the house and the farm to make him proud of her. Immediately after she had her baby, her love for him prompted her to get out of bed and join him in milking. She jumped on her bike and pedaled madly down the road, trying to encourage him to chase her. Yet her passion ended up destroying her when the vigorous exercise caused internal bleeding. Crossen, Ned insists, was mad with love for her as well, which becomes evident...