Assignment Question

The leanth is three pages (12 point font, double-spaced, one inch margins all around) What is the relation between love and marriage, as explored in the stories of adulterous love in The Lays of Marie de France (discuss only two of the most relevant lays), The Romance of Tristan and Iseut on the one hand, and as depicted in Jean Vigo’s L’Atalante, George Cukor’s The Philadelphia Story, and Preston Sturges’s The Lady Eve? Compare and contrast the ways in which the different characters and situations in the relationships depicted in these works shape the author/filmmaker’s view on this question. Which view of the relationship between love and marriage is closest to being correct, and why do you think so? Course books: 1. C. D. C. Reeve, ed. Plato on Love. Hackett. ISBN: 978-0-87220-788-2 2. Ovid, Metamorphoses. Tr. Stanley Lombardo. Hackett. ISBN: 978-1-60384-307-2 3. Abelard and Heloise, The Letters and Other Writings Tr. William Levitan. Hackett. ISBN: 978-0-87220-875-9 4. Joseph Bédier, The Romance of Tristan and Iseut. Tr. Edward J. Gallagher. Hackett. ISBN: 978-1-60384-900-5 5. Marie de France, The Lays of Marie de France. Tr. Edward J. Gallagher. Hackett. ISBN:978-1-60384-188-76 6. William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet Ed. fcfcc vv Bernice W. Kliman and Laury Magnus. The New Kittredge Shakespeare. Focus Publishing, distributed by Hackett. ISBN: 978-1-58510-162-1 7. William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Ed. John Ford. The New Kittredge Shakespeare. Focus Publishing, distributed by Hackett. ISBN 978-1-58510-165-8 8. Robert Bretall, ed. A Kierkegaard Anthology Princeton University Press. ISBN: 978-0691019789 9. James M. Cain, Double Indemnity. Vintage Books. ISBN: 978-0679723226

 Answer

Introduction

The relationship between love and marriage has been a topic of exploration in various forms of literature and film throughout history. This essay will delve into this complex theme by examining how it is explored in the stories of adulterous love in two of the most relevant lays from Marie de France’s “The Lays of Marie de France,” as well as in “The Romance of Tristan and Iseut.” Furthermore, we will analyze how this theme is depicted in Jean Vigo’s “L’Atalante,” George Cukor’s “The Philadelphia Story,” and Preston Sturges’s “The Lady Eve.” Through a comparative analysis of these works, we will explore the ways in which different characters and situations shape the author/filmmaker’s perspective on the relationship between love and marriage. Ultimately, we will discuss which view of this relationship seems closest to being correct and why.

Marie de France’s Lays: Guigemar and Lanval

Marie de France’s “The Lays of Marie de France” provides a rich source of exploration for the theme of love and marriage. Two lays, in particular, stand out in their treatment of this theme: “Guigemar” and “Lanval.” In “Guigemar,” we encounter a knight who falls in love with a married lady, and their love leads them to adulterous passion. The lay challenges conventional notions of marriage by depicting a love that transcends the boundaries of wedlock.

On the other hand, “Lanval” tells the story of a knight who loves a fairy queen, and their love is similarly forbidden by the conventions of society. Marie de France portrays love in both lays as a force that defies societal norms and expectations, often leading to transgressive relationships.

“The Romance of Tristan and Iseut”

Joseph Bédier’s “The Romance of Tristan and Iseut” further explores the theme of love and marriage. The story of Tristan and Iseut is one of the most famous tales of forbidden love in literature. Their love is portrayed as intense and irresistible, even though both are married to other people. The romance between Tristan and Iseut highlights the idea that true love often defies societal conventions and expectations.

Jean Vigo’s “L’Atalante”

Moving into the realm of film, Jean Vigo’s “L’Atalante” provides a unique perspective on the relationship between love and marriage. The film tells the story of a newlywed couple, Juliette and Jean, who embark on a barge journey. Their marriage is fraught with difficulties and misunderstandings, reflecting the challenges that can arise within the confines of matrimony. However, the film also portrays moments of deep tenderness and connection, suggesting that love and marriage are complex and multifaceted.

George Cukor’s “The Philadelphia Story”

In “The Philadelphia Story,” directed by George Cukor, we encounter the character of Tracy Lord, who is about to remarry despite her lingering feelings for her ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven. The film explores the idea that love can be messy and complicated, and it raises questions about the nature of true happiness in marriage. Tracy’s journey towards understanding her own feelings challenges conventional notions of marital stability.

Preston Sturges’s “The Lady Eve”

“The Lady Eve,” directed by Preston Sturges, is a screwball comedy that adds a humorous twist to the theme of love and marriage. The film follows the romantic entanglements of Charles Pike, who falls for Jean Harrington, a woman with a checkered past. Through humor and satire, the film highlights the absurdities of love and the complexities of human relationships, ultimately suggesting that love and marriage are unpredictable and full of surprises.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing these works, it becomes clear that each offers a distinct perspective on the relationship between love and marriage. Marie de France’s lays challenge societal norms by portraying love as a force that transcends the bounds of matrimony. “Tristan and Iseut” reinforces this idea, emphasizing the power of love to defy social conventions.

In contrast, the films “L’Atalante,” “The Philadelphia Story,” and “The Lady Eve” present more nuanced views of love and marriage. “L’Atalante” shows that while marriage can be challenging, it also has moments of profound connection. “The Philadelphia Story” questions whether societal expectations should dictate our choices in love, and “The Lady Eve” humorously portrays the unpredictability of romantic relationships.

Which View Is Closest to Being Correct?

The question of which view regarding the relationship between love and marriage is closest to being correct is inherently subjective, as it depends on one’s personal beliefs, experiences, and cultural context. However, by examining the perspectives presented in the selected literary and cinematic works—Marie de France’s lays, “The Romance of Tristan and Iseut,” as well as the films “L’Atalante,” “The Philadelphia Story,” and “The Lady Eve”—we can explore the nuances of each view and offer insights into their relative merits.

In “Guigemar” and “Lanval” from Marie de France’s “The Lays of Marie de France,” the lays present love as a transcendent force that defies societal constraints and expectations. These narratives challenge the traditional view that marriage is the ultimate institution for love. Guigemar, a knight, falls in love with a married lady, and their adulterous passion unfolds as a testament to the uncontrollable nature of love. In “Lanval,” the protagonist’s love for a fairy queen is similarly depicted as forbidden, emphasizing the idea that genuine love knows no bounds.

These lays resonate with the notion that love often transcends the boundaries of marriage. Such a perspective echoes the sentiments expressed by the philosopher Plato, who argued that true love, or eros, is a higher form of love that transcends the physical and material aspects of relationships (Reeve, 2006). In this view, marriage is seen as an institution that may or may not align with the true essence of love.

On the other hand, “The Romance of Tristan and Iseut” by Joseph Bédier tells a tale of forbidden love that leads to tragic consequences. Tristan and Iseut’s love is passionate and irresistible, but it also leads to deceit, betrayal, and ultimately, death. Their story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pursuing love outside the boundaries of marriage. This narrative reinforces the conventional societal view that marriage is the sanctioned and morally upright path for love.

The film “L’Atalante,” directed by Jean Vigo, provides a more balanced perspective on the relationship between love and marriage. The film follows the newlywed couple Juliette and Jean as they navigate the challenges of their marriage while living on a barge. Their relationship is far from perfect, marked by misunderstandings and conflicts, which reflect the realistic challenges that couples may face within the institution of marriage. However, “L’Atalante” also portrays moments of profound tenderness and connection between the couple, suggesting that love can flourish within the confines of matrimony.

This nuanced view resonates with the philosopher Kierkegaard’s idea that love within marriage can lead to a deeper understanding of one’s self and one’s partner (Bretall, 1973). According to Kierkegaard, the commitment and sacrifice required in marriage can foster genuine love, as it demands a constant choice to love and prioritize one’s spouse.

George Cukor’s “The Philadelphia Story” presents yet another perspective on the relationship between love and marriage. The film revolves around Tracy Lord, who is about to remarry but grapples with her feelings for her ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven. The narrative questions whether societal expectations should dictate one’s choices in love. Tracy’s journey of self-discovery and reconciliation with her past challenges the idea that marriage is the ultimate solution to matters of the heart.

Preston Sturges’s “The Lady Eve” takes a humorous approach to love and marriage. The film portrays the unpredictable and absurd nature of romantic relationships. Charles Pike’s involvement with Jean Harrington, a woman with a dubious past, highlights the unpredictability of love. This comedic view emphasizes that love and marriage are often irrational and unpredictable, defying societal norms and expectations.

Comparing these perspectives, it becomes clear that each work offers a unique lens through which to view the relationship between love and marriage. Marie de France’s lays and “Tristan and Iseut” challenge conventional norms by portraying love as a potent, uncontrollable force. In contrast, “L’Atalante” and “The Philadelphia Story” provide more balanced views, acknowledging the complexities of love within marriage and the potential for growth and connection. “The Lady Eve” humorously underscores the unpredictability of love.

So, which view is closest to being correct? The answer lies in recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all perspective on the relationship between love and marriage. Different individuals and circumstances can yield diverse outcomes. While Marie de France’s lays and “Tristan and Iseut” emphasize the transcendent power of love, they do not deny the complexities and challenges it can bring. “L’Atalante” and “The Philadelphia Story” offer a more grounded view, suggesting that love can thrive within the confines of marriage but requires effort, understanding, and self-discovery. Finally, “The Lady Eve” reminds us that love is inherently unpredictable and often defies societal norms.

The correct view of the relationship between love and marriage is subjective and dependent on individual beliefs and experiences. The perspectives presented in Marie de France’s lays, “Tristan and Iseut,” “L’Atalante,” “The Philadelphia Story,” and “The Lady Eve” collectively demonstrate the multifaceted nature of this theme. Ultimately, the closest view to being correct may be a combination of these perspectives, acknowledging that love and marriage are complex, ever-evolving facets of the human experience, and there is no one definitive answer.

Conclusion

The exploration of love and marriage in literature and film reveals a multifaceted and complex theme. Marie de France’s lays challenge societal norms, while “The Romance of Tristan and Iseut” emphasizes the power of love to transcend conventions. In contrast, the films “L’Atalante,” “The Philadelphia Story,” and “The Lady Eve” present nuanced views that acknowledge both the challenges and rewards of love and marriage. While determining the correct perspective is subjective, “L’Atalante” offers a balanced view that recognizes the complexities of this enduring relationship. Ultimately, these works remind us that love and marriage are intricate, ever-evolving facets of the human experience that continue to captivate our imaginations.

Reference

Bédier, Joseph. (2005). The Romance of Tristan and Iseut. Translated by Edward J. Gallagher. Hackett. ISBN: 978-1-60384-900-5.

Bretall, Robert, ed. (1973). A Kierkegaard Anthology. Princeton University Press. ISBN: 978-0691019789.

Reeve, C. D. C., ed. (2006). Plato on Love. Hackett. ISBN: 978-0-87220-788-2.

Shakespeare, William. (2006). A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Edited by John Ford. The New Kittredge Shakespeare. Focus Publishing, distributed by Hackett. ISBN 978-1-58510-165-8.

Shakespeare, William. (2007). Romeo and Juliet. Edited by Bernice W. Kliman and Laury Magnus. The New Kittredge Shakespeare. Focus Publishing, distributed by Hackett. ISBN: 978-1-58510-162-1.

Sturges, Preston. (1941). The Lady Eve. Film.

Vigo, Jean. (1934). L’Atalante. Film.

Ovid. (2000). Metamorphoses. Translated by Stanley Lombardo. Hackett. ISBN: 978-1-60384-307-2.

Marie de France. (1999). The Lays of Marie de France. Translated by Edward J. Gallagher. Hackett. ISBN:978-1-60384-188-76.

Cukor, George. (1940). The Philadelphia Story. Film.

Cain, James M. (1989). Double Indemnity. Vintage Books. ISBN: 978-0679723226.

Abelard and Heloise. (2007). The Letters and Other Writings. Translated by William Levitan. Hackett. ISBN: 978-0-87220-875-9.

FREQUENT ASK QUESTION (FAQ)

What is the relationship between love and marriage in literature and film?

The relationship between love and marriage is a complex and multifaceted theme explored in various forms of literature and film. It is often depicted as a dynamic interplay between societal expectations and personal desires.

How does Marie de France explore the theme of love and marriage in her lays?

Marie de France challenges conventional norms by portraying love as a potent, uncontrollable force that can defy societal constraints. Her lays, such as “Guigemar” and “Lanval,” depict adulterous love and forbidden passions, suggesting that love can transcend the boundaries of marriage.

What lessons can be drawn from “The Romance of Tristan and Iseut” regarding love and marriage?

“The Romance of Tristan and Iseut” serves as a cautionary tale about pursuing forbidden love. It highlights the potential consequences of love that goes against societal norms, emphasizing the traditional view that marriage is the sanctioned path for love.

How does “L’Atalante” provide a balanced perspective on love and marriage?

“L’Atalante” portrays the complexities of marriage by showcasing the challenges faced by the newlywed couple, Juliette and Jean. While their relationship is far from perfect, the film also portrays moments of profound tenderness and connection, suggesting that love can thrive within the institution of marriage.

What does “The Philadelphia Story” reveal about the relationship between love and societal expectations?

“The Philadelphia Story” challenges the idea that societal expectations should dictate one’s choices in love. The character Tracy Lord’s journey of self-discovery and reconciliation with her past relationships suggests that true love can sometimes defy traditional norms.

Last Completed Projects