The novel “Why Did Tristan Leave Susannah?” asks the question: Why did Tristan leave Susannah to make his name in Helena? The author explores Susannah’s desire to keep her affection for Tristan secret, her guilt over Samuel’s death in barbed wire, and Tristan’s desire to marry a “half-breed.”

Tristan leaves susannah to make his name in Helena

When Tristan leaves Susannah to go to Montana to make his fortune, he finds her dressed as an angel in white. She wants to return the magical bracelet that protects its wearer. Meanwhile, Alfred is back in the ranch, hoping to propose marriage to Susannah. Unfortunately, Susannah has shifted her affections to Tristan. Alfred, jealous of Tristan’s success, leaves the ranch and settles in Helena, Montana to become an aspiring politician.

Throughout the novel, the heterosexuality of Tristan is emphasized through his interactions with women. Susannah is shown watching him break horses in the pen, and biting her nails in anticipation of his return. Moreover, there are several sex scenes between him and Isabelle-II. During the story, Tristan develops an interest in the beautiful Isabelle-II, who initially appears as a pre-adolescent girl. Later, she develops into a beautiful woman.

Susannah’s desire to hide her affection for Tristan

Alfred notices Susannah weeping and tells her that he’s always been wild, implying that she should give back the magical bracelet she gave him. Susannah agrees, but not without reluctance. Tristan and Isabel have two children. But Tristan’s marriage drives Susannah mad, and she ends up killing herself. The tragedy of Susannah’s decision is heartbreaking, but Tristan’s decision to leave her husband and sister behind is understandable, even tragic.

Susannah’s desire to hide her affection toward Tristan becomes clear when she realizes that he’s pregnant with her first child. Her mother tells her that it’s not right to be pregnant, but Tristan doesn’t want to give her an unborn child. Her father is a hunter, and she’s supposed to be a teenage girl, so she is not yet an eligible mother. Susannah, however, cannot help but be infatuated with Tristan, so she feels compelled to hide her love for him.

Tristan’s guilt over Samuel dying in barbed wire

Alfred threatens Tristan with jail time and is furious when Susannah visits him in jail. Tristan holds her through the bars and tells her that he’s his “parasite.” When she cries, she hints that she secretly hopes to have a child with him. But, she can’t seem to convince Alfred. Alfred is not convinced that Tristan will ever return to his family and will change his mind about Samuel’s death.

The guilt Tristan feels over the death of his beloved Samuel is clear to see. In fact, Tristan’s guilt over Samuel’s death accompanies him throughout the rest of the book. His guilt over Samuel’s death becomes so overwhelming that he is unable to look at his brother. However, his guilt is more evident in the scene in which Tristan is threatening to kill his brother’s killers with a knife.

Susannah’s desire to marry a “half-breed”

As Tristan and Susannah prepare to walk down the aisle, Samuel is unsure whether to accept or reject their lovemaking. Tristan has a temper and is quick to get to the point, asking if they are both virgins and whether they will wait until they are married to have sex. As Samuel is hesitant to be so blunt, Tristan makes use of profanity. As he speaks to Susannah, he gets in touch with his primal nature.

Despite her feelings for Tristan, Susannah is not sure about him. As she tells him about her plans to marry Tristan, she is worried that he will reject her. Nevertheless, she is captivated by his handsome appearance. Later, she leaves with Alfred, trying to hide her feelings for the half-breed. When she returns, she comforts Tristan.