1.Choose a selection from Week 1 and explain how the concept of romantic love is treated. Does it offer a traditional take or challenge typical conventions (i.e., we should date/marry for romantic love rather than security; everyone should find/have a "soulmate"; "true" love lasts forever; romantic love should be reserved for a man and a woman, etc.)
In the poem "True Love," by Sharon Olds, the writer makes the truest case for realist love. Most young people are influced by film and television to think that love is all passionate kisses and longing. The other half shows the "desperate housewife," appeal. It is few and far between to see how couples that are really in love work together. Olds poem expressing physical passion and the reality of the "children asleep in their beds." (par.15) She does not discount the passion in a marriage. My favorite part of the poem captures the links of the couple. The example of the "delivery-room," is very touching. This piece testifies that married people can find a real love that stands the test of time and encompasses passion.
3. Does the selection you chose challenge the definition/beliefs you have about romantic love? How so? Does it correspond to your definition/beliefs? How so?
Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour," challenged my belief's of how a person should feel if they are really in love. Mrs. Mallard does not cry because of the death of her husband, but for a sense of relief. She realizes that she has a new freedom that she has never felt before. Understanding how women can feel trapped in a relationship, I empathized with the character. I didn't feel that she actually loved her husband. In my definition of love, the pain from losing someone so dear to yourself would be overwhelming. It would take time before you could weed out actual freedom to yourself. I believe that a loving relationship, especially in marriage, is based on two individuals becoming a whole. They complement each other, balancing the good and bad of the individual. "The story of an Hour," was a story about the joy is finding yourself. In paragraph six there is very clear symbolism surrounding the open window, also referring to Mrs. Mallard. Love doesn't have to trap. It can set you free.
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I'm glad to see that you and I had similar responses to some of these questions, and similar feelings about some of the items we read. I was baffled by "The Story of and Hour", it was pretty intense considering the link! I especially like your response in your second question, how you mentioned symbolism. I didn't even think about that, so I went back to re-read it and your point made plenty of sense! In the response to your first question, I felt the same way. Media protrays a much different reality than what marriage and children bring and how a love is truly so much deeper than any media form can show. Great post!
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