“Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” is a novel that was written by British author Louis de Bernieres. The novel was later adapted into a movie and produced in 2001, featuring stars like Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz. The book has captured the hearts of millions of readers with its beautiful love story set against the backdrop of World War II. One of the most memorable parts of the book is the love poem that is recited by the novel’s protagonists, Captain Antonio Corelli and his lover, Pelagia. This blog post will delve into the meaning and significance of this beautiful poem.
The Love Poem
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 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 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.
Those that truly love have roots that grow toward each other underground,
And when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches,
They find that they are one tree and not two.
The love poem from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is a beautiful, touching piece of writing that perfectly captures the essence of what true love is all about. The poem is recited by the novel’s protagonists Captain Antonio Corelli and his lover, Pelagia. While the poem is spoken by Corelli, it is clear that the words are meant to apply to both he and Pelagia.
The poem speaks about love as a temporary madness, something that can erupt like a volcano and then disappear just as quickly. While this may sound like it is taking away from the importance of love, it is actually quite the opposite. By acknowledging that love is not something that lasts forever, the poem highlights the importance of making the most of the time that you have with your loved one.
As the poem continues, it mentions the importance of working out whether your roots have entwined with your partner’s roots. This is a powerful metaphor, suggesting that the longer you spend with someone, the more you become a part of each other. Once your roots have entwined, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to separate them. This is why Corelli and Pelagia must make a decision about whether they want to be together or not.
The final part of the poem is perhaps the most meaningful. Corelli explains that real love is what is left over after all the excitement and passion of being in love has faded away. This is not to say that being in love is not important, but rather that true love is something that is built up over time. Those who truly love each other are always going to be connected, even when the excitement of a new relationship has waned. The metaphor of two trees growing together is also very powerful, as it suggests that when we truly love someone, we are no longer two separate individuals, but rather part of a single entity.
The Significance of the Poem
The love poem from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is a powerful piece of writing that perfectly captures the essence of true love. While the poem was written specifically for the novel, it has become popular in its own right, with many people using it to express their feelings for one another.
One of the reasons that the poem is so popular is because it defies the traditional idea of what love is supposed to be. Love is often presented in literature and movies as being all about passion and excitement. While these things are certainly important, they are not what love is really about. Love is about being there for someone else when they need you, being willing to compromise and work through difficult times together, and feeling a genuine deep connection with someone else.
The poem also speaks to the idea that love is not something that can be forced. It is easy for people to convince themselves that they are “in love” with someone, but this idea of being “in love” is often just a fleeting emotion. True love is something that is built up over time, as two individuals come to understand and appreciate each other on a fundamental level.
Finally, the poem provides a message of hope. Even if the excitement and passion of a relationship fades away, there is still a chance for true love to thrive. When two people truly love each other, they will always be connected at a deep level.
Conclusion
The love poem from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is a beautiful, touching piece of writing that captures the essence of true love. It speaks to the idea that love is not just about passion and excitement, but about being there for someone else through thick and thin, and about feeling a deep connection with them. The poem’s message of hope provides comfort for those who may be struggling with their own relationships. Ultimately, the love poem from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is a testament to the power of love and the importance of cherishing the time that we have with our loved ones.
FAQ
What is the quote about love roots?
The quote about love roots is a beautiful and profound statement that speaks to the true nature of love. The quote states that “Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two”. This quote is often attributed to Louis de Bernières, the author of the best-selling novel ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’.
The quote speaks to the deep connection that exists between two people who truly love each other. The roots growing towards each other underground symbolize the strong foundation that love is built upon. When two people truly love each other, they form a strong, unbreakable bond that can withstand the challenges of life.
The phrase “when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches” represents the passing of time and the changes that occur over the course of a relationship. The beauty of a relationship may fade over time, but the strong foundation that love is built on remains. The roots keep growing towards each other, ensuring that the relationship remains strong and healthy.
Finally, the quote concludes with the powerful image of two people being “one tree and not two”. This image represents the unity that exists between two people who truly love each other. They are no longer two separate individuals, but rather two halves of a whole. Their love has connected them so deeply that they are now one.
The quote about love roots is a powerful reminder of the true nature of love. Love is not just about the surface-level beauty of a relationship, but about the deep, unbreakable bond that exists between two people. It is a beautiful metaphor that captures the essence of true love, and reminds us of the importance of building a strong foundation in our relationships.
Who says love is a temporary madness?
The quote “Love is a temporary madness” is widely attributed to the English author Louis de Bernières, who wrote it in his 1994 novel “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”. The phrase has since become a popular saying and has been embraced by many as a way to describe the intense and sometimes irrational emotions that come with falling in love.
De Bernières uses the image of a volcano to convey the intensity of love, suggesting that like a volcano, the passion and intensity of love can erupt suddenly and with great force. He then goes on to describe how this intensity can subside, just as a volcano eventually cools and becomes dormant once again.
Most people can relate to the feeling of falling in love and the intense emotions that come with it. The feeling of having someone special in your life can be incredibly powerful and can consume your thoughts and feelings. It can be hard to concentrate on anything else when you are caught up in the excitement and passion of a new relationship.
However, as time passes, this intensity can fade, and the relationship can become more stable and comfortable. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be a challenge to navigate this transition. De Bernières’ quote acknowledges the fleeting nature of these intense emotions and reminds us that it is normal for them to subside over time.
The quote “Love is a temporary madness” speaks to the intense and passionate nature of falling in love, while also acknowledging that these feelings may not last forever. It is a reminder that love is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can bring both joy and difficulty to our lives.
What is love wedding reading?
A wedding ceremony often includes a variety of meaningful and personal readings to help convey what love, marriage, and commitment means to the couple and their witnesses. A wedding reading is typically performed by a family member or friend after the processional takes place and the officiant has given the welcome and introduction. The reading can be a poem, song lyrics, a book, or even a personal anecdote, as long as it captures the essence of what the couple wants to say to each other and their guests.
For many couples, the wedding reading is an immensely important aspect of their ceremony. It can set the mood and tone for the rest of the wedding proceedings. The reading can be humorous, romantic, or introspective, reflecting the couple’s unique personality and relationship. It can also be a great way for loved ones to express their support and well wishes for the newlyweds.
Some popular examples of wedding readings include “Union” by Robert Fulghum, “I Carry Your Heart With Me” by E.E. Cummings, “A Sweet Disorder in the Dress” by Robert Herrick, or “The Art of Marriage” by Wilferd A. Peterson. Each of these readings offers a different perspective on love and marriage and may resonate more with some couples than others.
It’s important to choose a wedding reading that speaks to you and your partner. A good wedding reading should be a reflection of the love that you both share and shouldn’t be something that you choose just because it’s popular or trendy. When you find the right wedding reading, you and your partner will know it, and this will make your ceremony even more special.
A wedding reading is an essential part of a wedding ceremony that helps to capture the essence of a couple’s love and commitment. The reading should be heartfelt, personal, and reflective of the couple’s unique personality and relationship. By choosing the right wedding reading, couples can set the tone for the rest of their special day and create memories that will last a lifetime.