Down with hearts!

The novel follows the protagonist a cynical and disillusioned man who rejects the traditional concepts of love and passion that society holds dear. Through his character Darien critiques the romantic idealism that dominates people's thinking especially in the context of relationships and emotions. The protagonist’s attitude towards love is cold and detached encapsulating Darien's belief that the notion of romantic love is largely a social construct idealized and exaggerated for personal gain and societal expectations.The narrative is sharp and biting as the protagonist interacts with a series of characters each embodying a different facet of society's romantic ideals from love-struck youths to marriage-minded adults. In his encounters he unmasks the hypocrisy and false sentimentality that underlie much of the culture’s approach to love. The novel is often seen as a critique of both the bourgeoisie’s obsession with appearances and the growing commercialization of relationships during the period.