This problem extends to both men and women. Indeed, society matters for love in other relationships, the complicating factor is always socioeconomic class, because the novel is set in a time period when marriage was more of a contract than a romantic affair. But it takes others around them to work out their feelings for them, showing that it is not only mutual love that is important, but also a mutual love that is recognized and supported by both of the families of the lovers. One positive example of mutual love is the relationship between Adam and Dinah at the end of the novel. The novel includes a few examples of true love based on mutual attraction. He knows that the only way to provoke Arthur to fight is by insulting his honor, so instead of reproaching him, he calls him a coward. When Adam runs away as a young boy because of family unhappiness, he chooses to return partially in order to maintain the honor of his family by keeping it economically afloat. Honor is tied up in their profession, land, and overall identity. Male honor is more complicated and more active. If women lose this chastity, they are helpless to regain their honor. Female honor is fairly passive and relies entirely on chastity.

There are two types of honor in this novel: that of females, and that of males.

Honor is an ancient theme with special resonance in medieval times, which is fitting in a novel set in a town that has an almost feudal landlord.

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