Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The phrase "so must it always be," often uttered by lovers in literature, encapsulates a complex acceptance of the inherent contradictions within romantic relationships. It’s a recognition that joy and sorrow, hope and despair, are inextricably linked, forming a cyclical pattern that defines the experience of love. This statement isn’t merely a passive resignation to fate; it’s a profound acknowledgement of the human condition and the enduring power of emotions, even in the face of inevitable pain. Understanding the context within which these words are spoken is crucial to deciphering their full implication, as they can signify everything from tragic acceptance to bittersweet understanding.
The Inevitability of Suffering
The lovers’ declaration often implies an acceptance of suffering as an intrinsic part of love. Romantic love, in its intensity, opens individuals to vulnerability, making them susceptible to heartbreak, loss, and disappointment. “So must it always be” suggests that this pain isn’t an aberration, but a fundamental component of the experience. This perspective aligns with tragic literary traditions, where love is frequently portrayed as a force that leads to destruction or profound sorrow.
Cyclical Nature of Relationships
The phrase can also point to the cyclical nature of relationships – the ebb and flow of affection, the periods of closeness followed by distance, the arguments and reconciliations. It suggests that these patterns are not unique to their specific relationship, but are universal and will continue to repeat themselves. This cyclical view acknowledges that love isn’t a static state, but a dynamic process of constant negotiation and adjustment.
Fate and Predestination
In some contexts, “so must it always be” carries a sense of fatalism. The lovers may believe their fate is predetermined, and their love is subject to forces beyond their control. This can be linked to societal constraints, family expectations, or even a belief in a higher power dictating their destiny. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet exemplifies this, where the lovers’ deaths are foreshadowed and ultimately seem inevitable due to the feud between their families.
Acceptance of Imperfection
The statement can also represent an acceptance of the imperfections within both themselves and their beloved. Recognizing flaws and vulnerabilities is crucial for a realistic understanding of love. “So must it always be” suggests a willingness to embrace these imperfections, acknowledging that love isn’t about finding a perfect partner, but about accepting someone fully, with all their strengths and weaknesses.
Societal Constraints and Norms
Sometimes, the phrase reflects an acknowledgement of societal constraints that limit the possibilities of their love. Perhaps their love is forbidden, or they face external pressures that threaten to tear them apart. “So must it always be” then becomes a resigned acceptance of these limitations, a recognition that their love may not be able to overcome the obstacles in its path.
Illustrative Examples
- In Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, the cyclical nature of revenge and passionate love echoes the sentiment of “so must it always be,” as the characters are trapped in a destructive pattern.
- In Thomas Hardy’s novels, characters often grapple with fate and societal pressures, leading them to utter similar phrases of resigned acceptance.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the lovers’ utterance of “so must it always be” is a multifaceted statement, laden with implications about the nature of love, fate, and the human condition. It signifies an acceptance of both the joys and sorrows inherent in romantic relationships, a recognition of cyclical patterns, and potentially, a resigned acknowledgement of limitations. The precise meaning, however, is always contingent upon the specific context of the literary work in which it appears, demanding a nuanced and attentive reading.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.