Sunday, September 15, 2019

Discuss the theme of love and affection as depicted in the story of "Salvatore."

Salvatore's capacity for love and affection is truly boundless, as evidenced by his enduring patience and tolerance for hardship throughout his life. All through the short story, Salvatore faces disappointments that would embitter less open individuals; after all, his health problems are painful and chronic, and his fiancée proves to be untrue. Despite these difficulties, Salvatore maintains his gentleness and his openness to happiness, and these characteristics demonstrate a love for humanity that is impressive in its breadth.
As a father and husband, Salvatore shows love and affection. His wife Assunta holds a grudge against Salvatore's former fiancée, but Salvatore does not, choosing instead to focus his energy on working hard and taking care of his family. His children in particular enjoy a loving and affectionate relationship with their father, as he treats them with tenderness. In these ways, the themes of love and affection are woven throughout the character of Salvatore, a paragon of human goodness.


Salvatore is a very loving, affectionate man. He cares deeply for his two younger brothers and takes his responsibilities toward them very seriously indeed. Love often involves sacrifice, and Salvatore sacrifices his short-term happiness by enlisting in the navy; love of country clearly means a lot to him. Salvatore's also deeply in love with his girlfriend, as can be seen from the numerous love letters he sends her. But even after she rejects him on account of his rheumatism, Salvatore doesn't lapse into bitterness and self-pity; he still retains that deep sense of humility that makes him such a sympathetic character. And he remains as devoted to love as ever, only he transfers the love he once felt for his ex-girlfriend to his wife Assunta and the children they have together. Salvatore loves life, and his family are the most important part of that life.

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