Quarter 3 Life Class 5

Keeping in touch with Paul, Elinor finally begins to express the slightest amount of feelings for him. Writing to him she says: “ I carry your photograph around with me everywhere. It’s on the bedside table where I can see it when I wake up, but I sometimes have to keep it hidden in the drawer in case mother comes in” (183). Keeping a hidden photograph of him at her bedside table, Elinor is showing us obvious signs f lust for Paul. By doing this Elinor is portraying the theme that people often want what they can’t have. In this case Elinor desperately wants what she can’t touch or feel, she want Paul even if he is one hundred miles away. Other than sharing her love, Elinor also shares her experiences: “ her work and parties” (184). In response Paul is grateful: “You should never be afraid of telling me about your work and your parties. The thought that there are some people out there still painting and drawing, still thinking art matters more than anything else is one of the few things that keeps me going” (184). St like a tired athlete needs encouragement; Paul needs encouragement to keep “fighting” for his country. Paul trying to manage a suicide case is only reminded of his mother, who was also a suicide victim. It is no wonder Paul feels as though he needs Elinor, he is looking for a distraction and who could blame him? Paul is seeking hope in a hopeless time.  The forever-remaining theme is that whe faced with a difficult choice people often take the easy way out.  This is shown through Elinor in not wanting to pay attention to the war. The war is all around her but she repeatedly refuses to acknowledge it because she fells it will only bring her more suffering.