Longus's Daphnis and Chloe is a truly remarkable example of the kind of mythic beauty that can be found in ancient love stories. Each aspect of romantic love is given a clear image by the plot, allowing the story to transcend itself, and the effect is that the story functions like an exposé of the interplay of masculinity and femininity and the ancient, timeless power of love.
Look for example at the origin story for the two. By showing the two as abandoned, helpless companions, there is a sense of destiny about their relationship, and their intimate, subconscious similarities result in a powerful chemistry between them later in life.
The treatment of sex in this story is demure and honorable, Daphnis ultimately deciding to wait until the fullness of time for his consummation with Chloe, although, he's mostly just afraid of getting caught, but still, he does the right thing for himself and for Chloe (at least in the point of view of the storyteller). They are allowed to make out though, so you know, it's not so bad after all.
Another interesting commentary that Longus provides is that neither person is a candidate for marriage until they have completed their character development, so he shows them each on a road of trials and temptations. This time and experience is what makes them eligible to rediscover their love and marry as full-fledged adults.
