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What is the relationship between grief and love in Aimee Bender’s short story, “On a Saturday Afternoon?”
Sample Answer
Title: The Complex Interplay between Grief and Love in Aimee Bender’s “On a Saturday Afternoon”
Introduction
Aimee Bender’s short story, “On a Saturday Afternoon,” explores the intricate relationship between grief and love. Through her vivid storytelling and subtle use of symbolism, Bender illuminates how grief and love are intertwined in the lives of the characters. This essay will delve into the ways in which grief shapes and defines love, ultimately arguing that grief can deepen and transform one’s capacity to love.
Body
1. Grief as a Catalyst for Love One of the central themes in “On a Saturday Afternoon” is the transformative power of grief. Bender portrays grief as a catalyst that propels the characters towards love. The protagonist, Sara, experiences profound grief after the loss of her husband, George. This grief becomes a driving force that leads her to seek solace in unexpected places. Bender writes, “She wanted to love again… She wanted to feel the deep, taut stretch of love in her muscles” (Bender 10). Here, grief is portrayed as a motivator for Sara to open herself up to the possibility of love once more.
2. Love as a Source of Healing Bender also explores how love can serve as a source of healing for individuals grappling with grief. The character of Paul, who has also experienced loss, becomes a source of comfort and support for Sara. Through their shared understanding of grief, they form a profound connection that helps them navigate their pain. As they spend time together, “The absence of George seemed less sharp… Paul was a balm” (Bender 14). Love, in this context, acts as a healing force that helps Sara cope with her grief and find solace.
3. The Complexity of Love in Grief While grief can be instrumental in fostering love, Bender also highlights the complexities that arise in the intersection of the two emotions. The story’s title itself, “On a Saturday Afternoon,” conveys a sense of nostalgia and longing. It suggests that love is not immune to the weight of grief, but rather exists alongside it. As Sara reminisces about her memories with George, she experiences conflicting emotions: “She wanted to hold on to him… but she also wanted to let go” (Bender 5). This duality of emotions portrays the intricate nature of love in the face of grief.
4. Grief as an Expansion of Love In “On a Saturday Afternoon,” Bender presents grief as an agent that expands one’s capacity to love. Through loss, Sara gains a deeper understanding of the fragility and preciousness of love. She reflects, “She had learned something about loving…it was too easy to let it go” (Bender 16). Grief acts as a catalyst for Sara’s growth and transformation, allowing her to appreciate and cherish love in a more profound way.
Conclusion
In Aimee Bender’s “On a Saturday Afternoon,” the relationship between grief and love is skillfully explored. Bender demonstrates how grief can serve as a catalyst for love, a source of healing, and a means to expand one’s capacity to love. Through her nuanced storytelling, she reminds us that grief and love are deeply intertwined, and that it is through embracing grief that we can truly understand the transformative power of love.
