Yet Another Post About Love

     Love is a difficult thing to define. There is a sense of what it is, but it is not easily translated into words. There are, however, different types or degrees of love.  

     The first is based on attraction and want, and does not truly last. Here, even though those involved may believe that they are in love, the relationship is based on lust, not love-for example, Marais's relationship with Madeleine. 

     Second is an unrequited love. In this case, one person is devoted to another, wishes to be near the other in fair and stormy weather, and is capable of being emotionally wounded by the other. This is not the same as admiration or obsession, but is similar to both. However, the other does not feel the same. It is a sad love. For example, in The Picture of Dorian Gray, Basil seems to have feelings for Dorian, but Dorian is entirely oblivious. He doesn't realize how much his somewhat- normal actions have hurt Basil. 

     The last love is a mutual love of person- neither lust nor obsession. It varies in its beings, but this true love is a bond. It stands through rage, sadness, and time- even death. Sainte Columbe and his wife, even though they talked about physical love, simply showed a yearning to be together. There is a companionship. One cares intensely for the other.

     Despite these definitions, love does not always fall neatly into one single category. Love is an emotion, by its nature undefinable and uncontrollable. It does not take well to confinement. Humans cannot be whole without love.