Dessen pinpoints the emotions and obstacles Marie has experienced through her love for Emil. For Marie, love for Emil was never expected or convenient, but was spontaneous and burdensome. This is exactly what Dessen describes to be “true love”, one that happens by chance at the worst time possible but is composed of passion and intensity. Dessen even describes the “single, throbbing moment”, where Marie and Emil express this true love in one passionate night under the stars. Although this love ultimately destroys Marie, one can’t deny or reject true love when faced with it; it consumes the body and the soul until there is nothing left. In Cather’s O Pioneers! Marie is depicted as an other-worldly figure terrorized by internal strife and moral
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Marie’s desire to “to live and dream a hundred years, forever!” illustrates the commitment to both Frank and Emil. In life Marie expresses her love to Frank, but only in her dreams is she able to love Emil. Marie calls this “perfect love”, because she is able to love both men without animosity or strife. Cather also adds that Marie yearns to love them for “a hundred years, forever!”, which is a form of hyperbole that Cather uses to present Marie’s love as eternal. Cather’s depiction of Marie’s love as eternal correlates with the perception of Marie as a free soul. A soul cannot die; therefore, her love is everlasting which creates a powerful image in the reader’s mind. The innocent and wishful thinking of Marie supports the depiction of her as a pure soul or angelic figure. The passion which Marie possesses is one that requires a soul that a simple temptress cannot obtain. This perfect love that Marie has formulated Cather describes as a “treasure of pain” Cather uses the imagery to depict the self-torture experienced by Marie, because her love for Emil will ultimately destroy her. Marie’s decision to love Emil despite the consequences demonstrates the devotion she holds for him. This deep arduous relationship creates a much more compelling story than a simple affair between two individuals. When Cather
Marie’s desire to “to live and dream a hundred years, forever!” illustrates the commitment to both Frank and Emil. In life Marie expresses her love to Frank, but only in her dreams is she able to love Emil. Marie calls this “perfect love”, because she is able to love both men without animosity or strife. Cather also adds that Marie yearns to love them for “a hundred years, forever!”, which is a form of hyperbole that Cather uses to present Marie’s love as eternal. Cather’s depiction of Marie’s love as eternal correlates with the perception of Marie as a free soul. A soul cannot die; therefore, her love is everlasting which creates a powerful image in the reader’s mind. The innocent and wishful thinking of Marie supports the depiction of her as a pure soul or angelic figure. The passion which Marie possesses is one that requires a soul that a simple temptress cannot obtain. This perfect love that Marie has formulated Cather describes as a “treasure of pain” Cather uses the imagery to depict the self-torture experienced by Marie, because her love for Emil will ultimately destroy her. Marie’s decision to love Emil despite the consequences demonstrates the devotion she holds for him. This deep arduous relationship creates a much more compelling story than a simple affair between two individuals. When Cather