In his tale Leaven of Malice, Robertson Davies intentionally portrays many scenes as parallels. By doing so, certain points and arguments are highlighted boldly throughout the story. One such parallel occurs between the respective conversations of the Vambrace's and the Bridetower's. The engagement scandal incites heated discussions within the two households, as both Solly and Pearl would rather avoid all the negative attention brought on by their parents. The striking resemblance of the dialogues serves …showed first 75 words of 1122 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1122 total…around them? The notion is a stab at the priorities of human nature, and boldly highlighted in the story. Many other characters are described with similar contradictions. Ridley is for a long time concerned with earning an achievement award, yet by the end of the story he could care less about any recognition. Humans are undoubtedly complex creatures, and Robertson Davies molds his characters around the fact. Perhaps that is why they are so memorable?