In Heart and Science, Wilkie Collins seeks to convey the message of love to his readers which is portrayed through effective characterisation, contrasts between characters and the use of symbols.
             The theme of love is reflected in the book simply by characters that show love for each other. The most obvious would be the love between Carmina and Ovid. He was 'charm[ed]' by Carmina, to whom he 'is now a willing slave' due to his feelings for her, and 'wherever he went, whatever he did, Carmina was always with him'. The use of romantic language here, and elsewhere in the book whenever Collins discusses the lovers, is testament of the deep love Ovid has for Carmina. Furthermore, in the opening of his letter, Ovid emphasises his love for her by stating that there is no 'other man in the world who is as fond of his darling' as he is of her. Though dramatic to modern day readers, it is effective in conveying Ovid's love and longing for Carmina during their separation. His love is reciprocated by Carmina who, upon receiving Ovid's letters, was 'so happy that she felt the impulse to write to him at once' with 'loving rapidity'. Her love for Ovid is also reflected in her concern for him. She would rather endure Mrs Gallilee's cruelty than write to him about that for fear of aggravating his health. In addition, to preserve the relationship between mother and son, she even put off the idea of meeting Ovid in Canada because she does not want to be 'obliged to acknowledge that it is his mother who has driven [her] away'. Carmina is simply, the embodiment of love in the book. This is represented by Father Patrizio's assessment of her, where the strength with which she 'rises again' is 'love'. It is this ability to love which endears her to most of the other characters of the book and ultimately transforms them.
             Love also exists b...