Thus With a Kiss I Die Summary, Characters and Themes
Thus With a Kiss I Die by Christina Dodd is a historical romance novel set in a reimagined Verona, the city famously depicted in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The novel follows Rosaline, the daughter of Romeo and Juliet, who finds herself caught in the turmoil of an arranged marriage to Prince Escalus, a prince she does not love.
As she struggles with her family’s expectations and societal pressure, she is also haunted by the ghost of a former ruler, Elder, whose death she must investigate in order to uncover the truth. Amid political intrigue, family drama, and the looming threat of the past, Rosaline embarks on a journey to reconcile her desires with her obligations.
Summary
The story begins with Rosaline, the daughter of the legendary Romeo and Juliet, reflecting on the complicated life she’s found herself living. Betrothed to Prince Escalus of Verona, her engagement stems from an unexpected and humiliating incident—a kiss meant for her true love, Lysander, which she mistakenly shared with the prince.
This misunderstanding sets off a chain of events that leads to a public scandal, causing Rosaline significant embarrassment. Despite her efforts to remain chaste and avoid the burdens of marriage, she now finds herself locked into an engagement she never wanted, simply to preserve her family’s reputation.
As Rosaline comes to terms with the reality of her situation, she prepares for a royal dinner hosted by the prince, hoping to make the best of the situation. Dressed in a beautiful gown, she feels the weight of her circumstances pressing down on her.
The dinner is uncomfortable, filled with awkward moments and forced conversations. Prince Escalus remains distant and formal, making Rosaline feel even more trapped in this life she did not choose.
During a tour of the prince’s palace, Rosaline becomes increasingly frustrated by Escalus’s obsession with his garden and his attempts to impress her with knowledge of exotic plants. She finds his explanations tedious and laughable, while her younger sisters—Katherina, Imogene, and Emilia—show their distaste for the situation in their own ways.
Rosaline yearns for the love she once hoped to share with Lysander, a relationship now marred by the prince’s interference.
Matters become more complicated when the ghost of Prince Escalus the elder, the prince’s deceased father, begins appearing to Rosaline. The ghost reveals that he was once a powerful man, but now he wanders as a spirit seeking justice for his untimely death.
He hints at the reasons for his son’s cold demeanor and insists that Rosaline should marry Escalus despite the lack of affection between them. The appearance of the ghost adds another layer of tension to Rosaline’s already strained situation, forcing her to confront a future she cannot escape.
In the midst of these challenges, Rosaline is confronted by a ghostly presence, Elder, the former podestà of Verona, who was murdered years earlier. Elder, desperate for justice, begins to communicate with Rosaline, demanding she investigate his death.
Unwillingly, Rosaline finds herself caught between her obligations to her family, her engagement to Prince Escalus, and her duty to uncover the truth behind Elder’s murder.
Elder’s death is shrouded in mystery, but Rosaline soon uncovers that Barnadine, Elder’s bodyguard, had witnessed the crime. Barnadine’s involvement with the murder becomes central to the unfolding plot.
Meanwhile, Rosaline’s relationship with Prince Escalus continues to deteriorate as she grapples with her growing frustration. Despite the political advantages the marriage offers, Rosaline remains emotionally distant from the prince.
As she delves deeper into Elder’s past, she uncovers more about his betrayal and the forces that led to his death.
At a tense dinner gathering, Elder’s ghost interferes, causing confusion and discomfort among the guests. Barnadine, Elder’s former bodyguard, also attends, his presence bringing with it a sense of guilt and sorrow.
The evening becomes a turning point, as Rosaline learns more about Elder’s loyalty to Verona and the reasons behind his murder. This revelation only deepens Rosaline’s internal conflict as she questions the choices being made for her.
The tension between Rosaline and Prince Escalus reaches a breaking point when they argue over their wedding plans, which are being rushed in light of mounting political pressures. Their relationship, built on obligation rather than love, begins to show cracks.
Rosaline’s rebellion against the constraints placed upon her becomes more pronounced, as she is forced to balance her desires with the duties of her family. Elder’s ghost continues to haunt her, further complicating her emotions and thoughts on marriage.
Desperate for a solution, Rosaline strikes a deal with Elder: she will investigate his murder, and in return, he will help her find her “One True Love.” This arrangement proves difficult, as Rosaline finds herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions and conflicts.
As she navigates her engagement to the prince and her dealings with the ghost of Elder, her sense of autonomy begins to blur, and she must find a way to reconcile her desires with the realities of her world.
Throughout the novel, Rosaline’s relationship with her family plays a crucial role in her emotional journey. Her mother, Juliet, is a powerful figure who demands obedience from her daughters, while her father, Romeo, provides support, though he is often overwhelmed by his own emotions.
Rosaline’s siblings, especially Imogene, offer moments of warmth and humor, providing comfort during dark times. Yet, Rosaline’s future remains uncertain as she faces the weight of family legacy, personal desire, and political duty.
As the story unfolds, Rosaline’s quest to uncover the truth behind Elder’s murder intensifies, and she discovers the complex web of betrayal that led to the prince’s death. The revelation of Barnadine’s motives—driven by the desire to avenge his sister Helena’s disgrace—adds yet another layer of intrigue.
Barnadine, in his pursuit of revenge, reveals that he murdered Prince Escalus out of resentment and to protect the legacy of his sister, whose life had been ruined by the prince. This tragic history only deepens Rosaline’s sense of injustice and adds to her emotional turmoil.
In the final confrontation, Barnadine’s guilt catches up with him. He attempts to kill Rosaline, but the ghost of Elder intervenes, leading to a dramatic showdown.
Ultimately, Barnadine’s actions lead to his own demise, and Rosaline is left to face the aftermath of the betrayal. As the story draws to a close, Rosaline must choose her future, deciding whether to marry Prince Escalus or forge a new path in the uncertain world around her.
The novel concludes with Rosaline still grappling with her identity, love for Lysander, and the heavy responsibilities thrust upon her. Despite the tumult of the past, Rosaline and Prince Escalus attempt to reconcile their relationship, though the future remains uncertain, and the ghosts of their pasts linger on.
Characters
Rosaline Montague
Rosaline Montague, the protagonist of Thus With a Kiss I Die, is a deeply conflicted young woman caught in a web of familial duty, societal expectations, and unrequited love. From the very beginning, she is thrust into a complicated situation after a mistaken kiss with Prince Escalus, which leads to her unwanted engagement to him.
Although the kiss was a mistake, Rosaline is forced to confront her responsibility and honor her family’s reputation, even though she does not feel any romantic connection to Escalus. Her internal conflict runs deep as she grapples with feelings of humiliation, regret, and frustration, particularly as she is haunted by the memory of Lysander, whom she believes could have been her true love.
Her character arc is marked by her sense of duty to her family, especially her mother, Juliet, and the pressure to live up to her family’s legacy. Despite her inner turmoil, Rosaline feels trapped by the expectations placed upon her.
This tension between personal desires and familial obligations creates a complex emotional landscape for Rosaline. As the story progresses, she becomes increasingly frustrated with the constraints on her life, especially the demands of her engagement to Escalus and the mysterious involvement of the ghostly Elder.
Rosaline’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she begins to recognize her agency in the face of overwhelming external pressures. Her determination to uncover the truth about Elder’s death and her quest for “One True Love” further illustrate her evolving character.
By the end, although Rosaline’s future remains uncertain, she has grown in her understanding of her own desires and the sacrifices required to protect those she loves.
Prince Escalus
Prince Escalus, the betrothed of Rosaline, is a character of duty and authority, though his cold and distant nature creates a significant barrier in his relationship with Rosaline. He seems to embody the political role he is meant to play, prioritizing the formalities of his engagement over genuine emotional connection.
His character reflects the traditional values of duty, honor, and power, and his engagement to Rosaline is largely driven by the need to secure his position, rather than any romantic affection. Escalus’s actions and demeanor suggest that he is more interested in maintaining appearances and fulfilling obligations than in understanding or truly connecting with Rosaline.
This leads to tension between the two, especially as Rosaline becomes increasingly frustrated with his formal, detached attitude and her lack of autonomy within their relationship.
However, Escalus is not completely devoid of depth. His history, particularly his father’s ghostly presence, adds layers to his character, making it clear that his coldness might be a defense mechanism built on past grief or a sense of duty.
While he remains unaware of the deeper mysteries surrounding Rosaline and the ghost of Elder, his personal struggles and the expectations placed on him as a prince influence his interactions with her. As the story progresses, Escalus’s character is challenged, especially as Rosaline begins to question their union and his ability to meet her emotional needs.
His relationship with Rosaline is a critical point of tension in the narrative, showcasing the contrast between love driven by duty and love based on personal connection.
Elder (The Ghost)
The ghost of Elder, once the podestà of Verona, serves as a haunting presence throughout the narrative, influencing Rosaline’s journey in unexpected ways. Elder’s tragic past, including his brutal murder and his subsequent desire for justice, complicates Rosaline’s emotional landscape.
His persistent demands for her to uncover the truth behind his death and bring his killer to justice create a tense dynamic between him and Rosaline. Elder’s ghost is not simply a passive spirit; rather, he takes an active role in guiding Rosaline, even manipulating situations to push her toward uncovering the dark truths of the past.
His relationship with Rosaline is complex and somewhat sarcastic, as he uses her to achieve his own goals, but he also pushes her toward self-realization, forcing her to confront her desires, responsibilities, and emotions.
As the narrative unfolds, Elder’s motives become clearer. His desire for revenge against his murderer and his belief that Rosaline is the key to uncovering the truth place her in a difficult position.
His haunting presence, which continues to interfere with her daily life and choices, adds a layer of supernatural intrigue to the plot. However, Elder’s own betrayal—his involvement in the political intrigue surrounding the prince—adds a moral ambiguity to his character.
While his quest for justice seems noble, his actions may also have unintended consequences, revealing the darker aspects of his character. Elder’s ghost ultimately serves as a catalyst for Rosaline’s internal growth, challenging her to navigate the fine line between duty, love, and the pursuit of justice.
Barnadine
Barnadine, a cold and calculating bodyguard, is driven by a desire for vengeance that defines much of his character. His resentment toward Prince Escalus stems from a deeply personal and tragic event: the seduction of his sister, Helena, by the prince.
This event leads to Helena’s downfall, as her relationship with Escalus results in a pregnancy that ruins her reputation. Barnadine’s revenge against the prince is not just an act of retribution, but also a means to restore honor to his family, whom he believes has been wronged by Escalus’s actions.
His deep hatred for Escalus motivates him to betray his former loyalty and ultimately murder the prince, a decision that he believes will set things right.
However, Barnadine’s actions are not without consequences. As he reflects on his role in the prince’s death, it becomes clear that his quest for vengeance has led him down a path of destruction.
His desire for revenge blinds him to the larger repercussions of his actions, particularly the unintended harm caused to others. His ultimate betrayal of Elder, whom he had once sworn loyalty to, further highlights his morally ambiguous nature.
Barnadine’s final moments are marked by his confrontation with Elder’s ghost, which forces him to face the consequences of his actions. His death serves as a grim reminder of the destructive nature of vengeance and the cost of betrayal.
In the end, Barnadine’s character arc is one of tragic downfall, as his attempts to right the wrongs of the past only lead to further ruin.
Themes
Love and Sacrifice
In Thus With a Kiss I Die, the theme of love and sacrifice is explored through Rosaline’s complex feelings and actions. Rosaline, caught in an engagement she did not desire, is torn between her duty to her family and her longing for true love.
Her forced betrothal to Prince Escalus, following a misunderstanding involving a kiss, is the foundation for her internal struggle. She feels betrayed by the idea of a marriage that was not based on love but on societal obligations and family reputation.
This disillusionment grows as she navigates her increasingly strained relationship with Escalus, whom she does not love, while remembering Lysander, whom she believes to be her true love.
Sacrifice is intertwined with this theme as Rosaline grapples with her role in her family’s legacy. Her mother, Juliet, had her own tragic love story, which placed expectations on Rosaline to uphold the Montague name.
This pressure culminates in Rosaline’s decision to marry the prince despite her personal desires. Throughout the narrative, she is faced with the idea of sacrifice—not just for her family’s honor, but also for the political and social peace that a union with the prince could bring.
Rosaline’s journey reflects the burdens placed on women in her society, where love often takes a backseat to duty and sacrifice. The emotional toll of this theme is evident as Rosaline navigates her internal battle, questioning whether her personal happiness is worth the price of maintaining her family’s reputation and honor.
Family and Legacy
The weight of family and legacy plays a significant role in Rosaline’s journey. The Montague family name carries both pride and shame, and Rosaline feels the heavy responsibility of living up to the legacy her parents and ancestors have left behind.
Her relationship with her family, especially her mother, Juliet, is complicated by the expectations placed on her. Juliet, with her tumultuous past, represents both the love and tragedy that Rosaline seeks to avoid.
Rosaline’s internal conflict between following her heart and honoring her family’s wishes is magnified by the constant reminder of the mistakes made by previous generations.
Rosaline’s sense of duty is further complicated by her relationship with her siblings, particularly her younger sister, Imogene, who tries to offer support but cannot fully understand the emotional turmoil Rosaline is going through. The theme of family legacy is also explored through the tension between Rosaline and the ghost of Prince Escalus’s father, whose presence pushes Rosaline into fulfilling her obligations to the family name, even at the expense of her own happiness.
Ultimately, Rosaline is faced with reconciling the conflicting demands of her personal desires and her duty to her family, symbolizing the often painful choices one must make in the name of family and legacy.
Guilt and Revenge
The theme of guilt and revenge emerges through the character of Barnadine, a bodyguard who, driven by resentment and a desire for vengeance, plays a pivotal role in the events surrounding Prince Escalus’s death. Barnadine’s sense of guilt is rooted in his belief that his actions—murdering the prince in retaliation for the disgrace of his sister, Helena—will restore his family’s honor.
The narrative delves deeply into the destructive power of revenge, as Barnadine justifies his actions by framing them as a means of righting a wrong. His quest for vengeance reveals how past wrongs and unresolved grievances can haunt individuals, driving them to take extreme measures in an attempt to regain control over their lives and restore their sense of justice.
Barnadine’s personal betrayal and the unraveling of his motives reveal the complexity of guilt and revenge. His actions not only destroy the prince but also unravel the lives of everyone around him, including Rosaline.
The moral implications of his choices are made clear through his confrontation with Elder, the ghost of the former podestà. Elder’s appearance forces Barnadine to confront the consequences of his actions and the weight of the guilt he has carried.
Ultimately, Barnadine’s tragic end highlights the futility of revenge as a means of achieving justice, showing that it often leads to more pain and suffering rather than resolution. The theme of guilt and revenge serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting past hurts dictate one’s actions, especially when those actions are driven by anger and a desire to right perceived wrongs.
Duty and Obligation
Duty and obligation are central to Rosaline’s emotional journey in Thus With a Kiss I Die. From the moment she is forced into a marriage with Prince Escalus, Rosaline’s life becomes one of obligation—her duty to her family’s honor, her role as a future wife, and her commitment to the legacy of the Montagues.
Throughout the narrative, Rosaline grapples with the weight of these responsibilities. She is constantly reminded of the expectations placed upon her as a woman in her society, where choices are often dictated by family, status, and political alliances rather than personal desires.
The tension between Rosaline’s sense of duty and her longing for autonomy is palpable as she navigates her relationship with Escalus. Her growing resentment toward the prince, whom she does not love, underscores the emotional toll that duty and obligation take on her.
The theme is further explored through the interactions with Elder, whose ghost’s demands for justice force Rosaline to balance her personal desires with the responsibility she feels to uncover the truth about his murder. As Rosaline juggles the demands of both the living and the dead, she is forced to make decisions that prioritize others’ needs over her own, raising questions about the cost of fulfilling one’s duty and whether true freedom can ever be achieved when one is constantly bound by external obligations.
Identity and Self-Discovery
Rosaline’s journey is also one of identity and self-discovery. Early in the story, she is defined by her role as a Montague and the expectations that come with her family name.
However, as the narrative unfolds, Rosaline begins to question who she truly is outside of her family’s shadow and the marriage contract she is bound to. Her interactions with the ghost of Elder and the increasing pressure from the prince push Rosaline to confront her own desires, fears, and the life she envisions for herself.
She yearns for true love with Lysander and struggles to reconcile this with her forced marriage to Prince Escalus, which she sees as a betrayal of her own identity.
Throughout the story, Rosaline’s search for her “One True Love” becomes symbolic of her search for self-identity. Her frustration with the life that has been thrust upon her is not just about escaping a loveless marriage, but also about reclaiming her sense of self and autonomy.
The theme of self-discovery is closely tied to Rosaline’s growing realization that she is more than just a pawn in her family’s legacy or a victim of her circumstances. As she begins to uncover the truth behind Elder’s murder, she finds herself standing at a crossroads, torn between the duty to her family and the need to define her own future.
This theme speaks to the universal human experience of struggling to find one’s true path in life, especially when faced with societal pressures and familial expectations.