Justin Ramirez
Professor Brady
EGL 102
Embracing imperfection in love
Perfect love is something we all as human beings strive for. As human beings we try to be perfect at things that are impossible to be perfect at. Love is one of those things as it is not perfect it has its flaws and imperfections. No love is perfect because if that were the case then there would be no room to grow as human beings. The relationship of the characters Noah and Allie from Nicholas Sparks novel The Notebook are often perceived as having a “perfect love” but in reality there love is far from the so-called perfect many believe it to be.
Examples of their imperfect love is littered throughout the entirety of the novel. True love is defined as being able to endure together and be committed to each other no matter the cost. Noah and Allie endure many hardships in their journey, one of which is when Noah had written a letter to Allie for 365 days of the year. Although Allie never received those letters because of her mother this demonstrated how Noah's commitment to Allie had endured all this time and after all those years. Noah then proceeds to tell Allie after he confronts her “It wasn’t over it still isn't over (Noah, 188)” This clearly demonstrates that love is not about being perfect, but about the will to fight for one another even when life isn’t easy. This also connects with Gus when he said” This girl you've been telling me about was your first love. No matter what you do she’ll stay with you forever(Gus, 15)” This shows that love is forever it may not be perfect but it will always be forever which ties back to being committed to one another no matter the cost.
No love is perfect and every love is about embracing those imperfections and not expecting it to be perfect. Noah and Allies love is very real and powerful just because it isn't “perfect” doesn't mean that their love is not real. Noah and Allie had actually broken up once before which is far from describing the so-called perfect love. “Are you breaking up with me (Allie, 144)” Noah then proceeds to drive away thus effectively ending their summer romance. The idea of people breaking up nowadays and then later getting back together is far from being accepted as a perfect love. Most would say it happened for a reason or that the people who broke up shouldn't ever be together as it'll be a constant cycle of breakups and forgiveness, but this is a prime example of no love is perfect it doesn't matter how you finish the race as long as you make it to the finish line with your partner that's all that matters.
Perfect love is about overcoming challenges and a streetcar named desire is a perfect example of that. In streetcar the character Stanley is with Stella, the main character's sister. Stella and Stanley have a very far from perfect love as oftentimes Stanley would hit and abuse Stella. An example of this is when stanley hits stella during there poker game. “You lay your hands on me and I’ll–(Stella, 57)” off screen there is a blow and the other men subdue and pin Stanley from hurting Stella more. This is definitely not what you call a perfect love but Stella ultimately forgives Stanley as he apologies and falls to his knees in front of her begging for forgiveness. This is what most people nowadays would call a toxic abusive relationship. In conclusion the idea of a perfect love doesnt exist as there is no such thing as perfect love. Everyone's love is ultimately different and some have it easier than others but that still doesn't mean that it is perfect. Real love is not about avoiding conflict or always being happy, but about facing challenges together and growing stronger. In The Notebook, Noah and Allie’s love is far from perfect, but it’s built on commitment and the willingness to fight for each other. Similarly, in A Streetcar Named Desire. Stella and Stanley's love is messy and complicated, but Stanley and Stella find a way to stay together despite their struggles. True love is imperfect, but it’s really powerful, and worth fighting for ultimately.
WORKS CITED
The Notebook - Nicholas Sparks, nicholassparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/excerpt-1.1996.10-the-notebook.pdf. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
the_notebook_, *rCf* (rachibabee0432) wrote in, et al. “Quotes!” LiveJournal, 6 July 2004, community.livejournal.com/the-notebook-/121606.html.
A Streetcar Named Desire, visumbrasov.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/A-Streetcar-Named-Desire-2.pdf. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
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