Do you feel Bertie was in unrequited love with Gert? Why or why not?
No, I dont think he was. Gert was more a symbol of love and they loved each other as friends. Gert loved him back in the way he needed.
I don’t think so; Gert did love Bertie. I don’t think Bertie wanted a life with Gert, and they did both love each other. His near obsession with Gert after fleeing Berlin was, I think, less about an unrequited love and more about survivor’s guilt from leaving his best friend.
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I think it would be difficult to change the person you have presented yourself as for your whole life. Even if you felt that was not who you truly were. We are all resistant to change and fall into what is comfortable. The unknown of how you will be seen, treated etc. after you’ve made that change could be quite concerning.
I spent some time thinking about this as I read the book. Overall, I think Bertie loved Gert but was not in love with Gert. As Roy said, Gert was a treasure. Gert brought love and joy to all that were open to accept it.
I saw the relationship as love that loyal friends possess. The support offered through this kinship was much needed and cherished
I feel that Bertie loved Gert and had a deep connection with him after all they had been through together. I think their intimate sexual moment was a spontaneous response to the happiness and joy they felt in being able to fully be themselves. I don’t think Bertie was in love with Gert - I agree with Emily_Bahhar that Bertie felt survivor’s guilt and deep remorse about not having made sure Gert was safe.
I saw it as a deep and true love between two people but not a romantic love.
No I don’t feel that Bertie was in love with Gert. Their friendship was a very strong friendship and I do think they loved each other but it wasn’t romantic love. They lived together a long time and knew each other very well. I believe the love they shared was just a deep friendship caring love.