Paris tells Aphrodite that he’s loved Helen since they were children. He asks her, “Can first love be real? Is it childish to think the first hand I held could be the one I will hold until the end of days?” What do you think about this statement?

BookBrowse Book Club Aphrodite in Pieces by Lauren J. A. Bear
1

Paris tells Aphrodite that he’s loved Helen since they were children. He asks her, “Can first love be real? Is it childish to think the first hand I held could be the one I will hold until the end of days?” (p. 267). What do you think about this statement?

2

It’s such a romantic sentiment and does help explain his desire to be with her.

3

I don’t think that statement is childish. I can believe some people meet a person for whom they are “destined” to be with forever. I’ve known many couples who have met young and married for 60-70 years. I don’t think, however, this happens often.

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4

I think it is quite possible, but uncommon for people to know each other from childhood and develop a lasting loving relationship. Sociologists say that the more similar a couples backgrounds the more likely they can develop a lasting, longterm partnership. Perhaps children are more likely to have friendships with those from similar backgrounds, before they expand their horizons as teens. We know very little about Helen, except her beauty. Too bad ancient Greeks did not give us more depth about her as a person.

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5

I know couples who met in elementary school and have remained in love as married couples for years. I also know many more couples that got married too early before they had defined thremselves as individuals and those marriages ended in divorce.

With the gods, love is more ethereal and less defined by human restraints and goals, so it could be possible that Paris loved Helen since childhood.

6

I believe first love can be real. Other questions should be could or should it last? Sometimes first love teaches you how to love someone deeply and also how to handle hurt or anxiety, or even jealousy. A first love is one most people don’t forget so it must be real!

7

It happens. A few lucky people find their person immediately and hold on. Most of us have to go through a few attempts (or more) to find the right love for us. I don’t think this is childish. I do think that pursuing Helen under these circumstances was naive and led to tragedy. Theirs was a tragic love that could have ended with their initial separation, but Paris could not let go and Aphrodite pushed him forward.