On the Categories of Love in Toni Morrison’s Literature

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Most People tend to misconstrue the true meaning of love. They have a generalized ideology that love is all about having a romantic affair with the opposite gender. A scripture from the Holy Bible states that “ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-5). Love is a complex and complicated feeling; therefore, it is categorized in diverse forms. The various kinds of love, Agape love, Phileo love, and Eros love, are clearly expressed by characters In Toni Morrison’s Love. Character expressed their love for one another in different ways. Some characters expressed the qualities of love mentioned above in their relationship while others view love from an entirely different perspective. Characters demonstrate major types of love, such as Agape love, Phileo love, and Eros love.
As the novel begins, agape love was expressed. Junior Viviane developed a strong affection for Bill Cosey, a man whom she never knew in real life. Viviane was a poor rural girl who ran away from correctional, after allegedly throwing an administrator (who intended to have sex with her forcefully) over his balcony. She eventually started to work for Heed (Cosey woman)—the second wife of Cosey; she also lived with her while working. Cosey was the desired man for every woman. He owns Cosey’s Resort and Hotel—a place that serves as a refuge for the African American middle and upper classes, against the psychological impact of racism in their lives. Junior has an inward presumption that Bill Cosey was her dream man—the perfect ‘Good Man’ she had always wanted. Junior has a private affair with h...

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...ows] the saliva gathering in his mouth in anticipation of junior’s. Just talking about her [turns] him on. No matter what [bothers Romen], [Junior knocks] him out” (155). Romen and Junior play and take a bath in Heed’s tub, and they both had sex on Heed’s bed afterwards. Junior said to Romen, “Take your clothes off and get in here.” Romen did not want to do it with that face hanging on the wall, so he pulled Junior into the bathroom, where they filled the tub to see what it is like underwater (179).The two love birds were deeply mesmerized by their erotic love throughout the novel.

Works Cited

Gillespie, Carmen. "Critical Companion to Toni Morrison." Google Books. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2014.
Morrison, Toni. Love. New York: Knopf, 2003. Print.
“Bible Gateway Passage: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – New International Version.” Bible Gateway. N.p., n.d.
Web. 12 May 2014.

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