Captain Corelli's Mandolin Quote About Love
Introduction
Captain Corelli's Mandolin is a novel written by Louis de Bernières, published in 1994. The story is set on the Greek island of Cephallonia during World War II and is a tale of love and war. One of the most memorable and romantic moments in the book is when Captain Corelli quotes the following about love:
The Quote
"Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident."
The Meaning
The quote is a beautiful and insightful declaration about the nature of love. It suggests that the initial feelings of intense passion and excitement are only temporary and that true love is what remains after those feelings have subsided. The quote also implies that love is a choice – a decision that we make to stay committed to someone even after the initial passion has faded.
The Significance
The quote has become one of the most famous and beloved quotes about love in literature. It has been quoted in countless wedding speeches, romantic novels, and films. Its popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of the idea that true love requires commitment and hard work.
The Context
The quote is spoken by Captain Antonio Corelli, an Italian officer who falls in love with a local woman named Pelagia. Their love story is set against the backdrop of World War II and the brutal occupation of Cephallonia by Italian and German forces. The quote is part of a conversation between Corelli and Pelagia, in which they discuss the nature of love and the challenges they face as a couple.
The Author
Louis de Bernières is a British novelist and poet. He was born in London in 1954 and grew up in Surrey. He studied at the University of Victoria in Canada and at the University of London. He has written several novels, including The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts, Señor Vivo and the Coca Lord, and Birds Without Wings.
The Legacy
Captain Corelli's Mandolin has become a classic of modern literature and has been translated into numerous languages. It has been adapted into a successful film starring Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz, as well as a stage play. The quote about love has become a cultural touchstone and a source of inspiration for many people.
Conclusion
The quote from Captain Corelli's Mandolin about love is a powerful and enduring expression of the nature of true love. It has become an iconic statement about the importance of commitment and the beauty of lasting love. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of the novel and its themes.