Essay Questions

How does the author illustrate that people are running away from the reality of death?

The book 'The Loved One' talks about people's denial to accept that death is a reality and it is here with us. According to Waugh, the earlier people accept death, the better. The author examines people's actions after losing a loved one and sees the pretenses among people who try to escape reality. The author acknowledges that losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences. However, the pain prolongs when one refuses to let go and move on. For instance, when a person dies, people dress him smartly, make-up, and use expensive coffins to make the dead look alive. According to the author, all these dramas of trying to make the deceased look alive are useless because he will remain a corpse even after the make-up.

What symbol does the author use in ‘The Loved One’ to epitomize enhancement and tenderness?

Aimee falls in love with the poet because she thinks that he is the best thing in her life. Ordinary people know that poets are the epitomes of enhancement, tenderness, and caring heart. Therefore, the author has used the poet to represent the virtues Aimee is looking for in a man. Satirically, later in life, the poet becomes the source of Aimee's disappointment because he does not treat her with tenderness. According to Aimee, the poet is unethical, and he influences her to be dishonest as well. Finally, Aimee decides to run away because she realizes that the poet is an idealized symbol of refinement.

Do you conclude that pampering the deceased bodies is a motif?

Pampering dead bodies is a big business, and those doing it are majorly targeting to make huge profits. Sarcastically, the people dressing up the dead and doing make-ups know very well that they are not adding any value to the deceased person. Therefore, the author thinks that beautifying the dead bodies a motif that signifies unethical business. For instance, decorating the dead body can cost up to a thousand dollars.