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Are the Four Girls' Stories Symbolic of The Four Loves?

posted 16 years ago by FlamRatamacues
11 replies | jump to latest

At the beginning of the movie, when the girls are making the rules for the pants, they say that the pants represent love. As I watched the movie, I suspected that this was a clue to understanding the events that unfold. Call me crazy, but I thought each girl's story seemed to represent the four loves (there are four words for "love" in Greek).

Lena - storge (romantic love).

Carmen - philos (familial, brotherly love).

Bridget - eros (erotic love).

Tibby - agape (unconditional, self-giving love).

The romance with Lena and the (eventual) family love with Carmen are self-explanatory. Bridget's story shows that erotic pursuit is ultimately unsatisfying and empty. And Tibby's relationship with Bailey eventually results in agape love (Tibby was willing to give the pants--i.e. love--to Bailey in a very unselfish way, and she learned to care for more than just herself).

Anyway, my wife and I just watched the movie for the first time the other night, and this whole idea of the four loves was going through my mind as I was watching it. Anyone agree, disagree, or have another point of view?

--James

[–] FlamRatamacues 16 years ago

I should also add that the pants fitting all four girls might represent the fact that every person can wear love, and love fits every situation.

Though I haven't quite figured out the significance of the fact that they didn't fit Bailey. Perhaps it was to show a special love that held the four girls' friendships together? Or maybe it showed that Bailey had such a wholesome view toward the world that she had love to spare?

Any other thoughts?

[–] hedonisticme 16 years ago

I REALLY like this perspective on the movie. I didn't even know that there were 4 greek words for love. And looking into it you are absolutely right that I'm sure the original author of the book was trying to explore all different types of love when she wrote it.
I don't know if I really have any other thoughts on the pants not fitting Bailey but I'm not sure they really needed to to tie it all in...

Anyway I definitely agree with everything you said, kudos to you for finding this very special meaning to the movie!

"Can we cut the cake? I have to go to a Three-way." -Samantha Jones

[–] lei3 16 years ago

That's such an interesting point! I never even thought of any of that!

Too bad we can't ask the author because I personally have no idea, and now I want to know myself...

I've never looked, but does the DVD have commentary? Sometimes they'll mention symbolism or whatever it may be in the commentary.

"DON'T TAKE DRUGS!" - Almost Famous

[–] blazinglolita 15 years ago

What a great interpretation!

Maybe the pants didn't fit Bailey because she would never grow up and experience all the loves. That seems depressing, though, she had accepted that fact, as well as the fact that she wouldn't fit into the pants. I think she was wearing the pants when she made the little video for Tibby.

I'd break the back of love for you.

[–] ExAxLxPx12 15 years ago

wow i love that idea, it just made me look at the book/movie/stories in a new light, i never could figure out the meaning that they didn't fit Bailey. i wanted them to fit her:) she and Tibby's story was my favorite in book one.

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] thenYES 15 years ago

Wow...

my guess is that the author didn't necessarily mean to show the four loves, but that she just wanted to show different types of relationships, and that worked out as exploring the four loves.

Nice catch on that one - I definetly see how each girl's storyline lines up with the different loves.

"So, from time to time, I send Dwight faxes. From himself. From the future."

[–] cheedo 10 years ago

Awesome.

Why did you get an F in English? DO YOU WANT THE BRITISH TO WIN???/? -George Washington?

[–] MarblesLove 10 years ago

I have no idea if that was the intention, but if love the interpretation.

This is my signature.

[–] super-staff 10 years ago

Really good analysis. Thanks for that!

[–] safeharbour13-1 10 years ago

That is an incredibly insightful perspective you have!
It makes great sense and adds a new layer of coherence to the story. You've definitely heightened my appreciation for this franchise now.