Love in Excess by Eliza Haywood has been praised for its compelling depiction of early 18th-century romantic entanglements and vibrant characterizations. Critics laud its groundbreaking exploration of female desire, but some find the melodramatic plot and verbose prose challenging. Overall, it remains an essential read for fans of early modern literature.

A reader who enjoys Love in Excess by Eliza Haywood is typically interested in early 18th-century literature, romantic and erotic themes, and the exploration of gender dynamics. Fans of Samuel Richardson's Pamela or Aphra Behn's Oroonoko would likely appreciate Haywood's blend of passion, intrigue, and social commentary.

Love in Excess, first published by Eliza Haywood between 1719 and 1720, follows the romantic entanglements of Count D’elmont, a charming French nobleman. The narrative explores themes of class, desire, and obsession as D’elmont navigates relationships with multiple women, including Alovisa, Amena, and Melliora, leading to a series of intense and complicated romantic misadventures. The source text includes references to death by suicide and sexual assault.

Romantic / Mysterious / Emotional / Bittersweet / Suspenseful

- Love in Excess was published in three parts between 1719 and 1720, making it one of the early examples of serialized fiction, which allowed Haywood to adjust the story based on reader reactions.
- The novel became one of the most popular and best-selling works of its time, further solidifying Eliza Haywood's reputation as a prolific writer and a key figure in the development of the English novel.
- Love in Excess is considered a significant work in the amatory fiction genre, blending elements of romance with commentary on societal and gender norms in early 18th-century England.

**Count D'Elmont**  
D'Elmont is a handsome and charismatic aristocrat whose adventures and growth as a character are central to the plot, involving complex romantic entanglements and a pursuit of true love.

**Alovisa**  
Alovisa is a wealthy and independent woman who enters into a marriage with D'elmont, often functioning as an antagonist due to her assertive pursuit of her own desires and the ensuing complications.

**Melliora**  
Melliora is a virtuous and beautiful young woman who becomes the primary love interest of D'elmont, embodying feminine ideals and navigating her emotions with integrity.

**Frankville**  
Frankville is Melliora's brother and a romantic, impulsive aristocrat whose passionate relationship with Camilla provides a foil to D'elmont's experiences.

**Amena**  
Amena is a naive yet beautiful young woman involved in a love triangle with D'elmont and Alovisa, whose experiences lead her to choose a secluded, more cautious life.

**Violetta**  
Violetta is a supportive character who disguises herself to accompany other characters on their travels, harboring quiet and selfless love for D'elmont without disrupting his relationship with Melliora.

Eliza Haywood

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Part 1 Love in Excess Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Pages 81-128

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Part 2, Pages 129-162

Love in Excess Part 2, Page 129-162 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Pages 163-216

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Part 3, Pages 217-269

Love in Excess Part 3, Page 217-269 Summary & Analysis

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