The Wings of the Dove

Throughout The Wings of the Dove, James explores how people use relationships to further their own ends to acquire wealth, status, or opportunities, and how this view of relationships can create alienation. A particular focus of the novel is how the characters see relationships with Milly through a lens of how she can be “used” by them, viewing her terminal diagnosis as an opportunity to exploit for their personal gain. The loss of Milly’s entire family leaves her isolated without meaningful familial support and in possession of a vast fortune that makes her a target for scheming and manipulation, uniquely vulnerable to those who have designs on her wealth. Both Maud and Kate quickly identify the opportunity that Milly represents to them. As Kate tells Milly, “You don’t half see it, but she [Maud] has clutched at your petticoat” (225). While they appreciate Milly’s “weird charm” for itself, their interest in her is largely motivated by a desire to exploit her fortune and social status. Kate encourages Densher to court Milly in the hope that Milly will leave Densher her fortune when she dies. This scheme fundamentally undermines whatever true friendship Kate and Milly might have had, creating alienation and isolation in place of meaningful connection.