In M.C. Beaton's "Death of a Macho Man," the author explores the complexities of love and its potential for suffering. Sir George Etherege's quote about love that becomes diseased reflects a belief that it's sometimes necessary to end such relationships decisively rather than allowing them to drag on painfully.

Beaton's characters often wrestle with the emotional turmoil that comes from unhealthy attachments. The narrative suggests that confronting the decay of love is crucial for personal well-being, emphasizing that it's better to seek resolution than to endure a prolonged heartache.