Romance literature, a genre expressed for centuries has seemed to never go out of style. Over several centuries, the art of romance has been written in the form of myths, sonnets, plays, and novels. Back in the time period of about 500 b.c.e., Greek mythology was very popular and often focused on the theme of love and a heart gripping death that often depicted a hero of a man saving his lover. Orpheus and Eurydice, which has been translated from Latin by various authors, narrates the story of Orpheus, the son of Apollo (the god of music), and Eurydice, Orpheus? wife and a wood nymph. These lovers? lives are interrupted when a serpent bites Eurydice, leaving her dead. This myth continues with Orpheus attempting to save …show more content…
Love is a varying emotion that does not have one set definition and one?s meaning of love could be completely different from another?s. However, two types of love can be identified as ?surface level love? or ?true love.? Surface level love can be outlined as a love that is not deep and can often be more of a physical attraction versus an emotional attraction. On the other side of the spectrum, this notion of true love is seen as more of an intense feeling between two individuals that dives deeper than purely one?s outer appearance. For example, Orpheus and Eurydice have this marriage that began out of the charm of Orpheus, of course with his song and poetry skill. They seem to share this almost surface level love that tells the audience that Orpheus cannot live without Eurydice, to the point where Orpheus feels that he must save Eurydice from her dead state so that they might be together again. One might view this plot line as an act of true love, however Orpheus? drive to save Eurydice is rooted with a selfish desire to have Eurydice back …show more content…
This relationship had contrasting qualities such as not being able to live without the other, but also the attribute of one of the spouses not affecting the other?s life so that it may become better. However, you could state that Orpheus was so affected by the death of Eurydice that, ?In seeking truth, he becomes a victim of self-delusion.? (Gilman). Here in this quote it explains how Orpheus does not recognize reality due to this deep depression he has entered after the loss of his wife. Once Augustus passes away however, Hazel has a completely different mentality than Orpheus about this experience of death. Although Hazel is completely and utterly heartbroken when Augustus dies, she decides to look at the brighter side of the picture rather than the black, black area that looms over her. In The Fault In Our Stars, it is apparent that Hazel Grace was changed for the better due to the short time she spent with Augustus Waters. Before Hazel met Gus, she was a depressed teenager that was practically waiting for her end to come. When she met Augustus however, she was introduced to life again and even for a short span of time, he managed to turn Hazel from the dying girl to the living girl. At Augustus? pre-funeral, Hazel says, ?But, Gus, my love, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity. I wouldn?t trade it for the world.? (Green 260).