One of the biggest questions lying at the root of human curiosity is whether love is real or merely an illusion. In our day-to-day lives, it can be very difficult to draw the line between the two, because our mind alters everything we perceive. Some believe reality is that love conquers all, while others believe it brings nothing but destruction. Is it impossible to have two completely opposing realities in an actual existence? If so, doesn't this make it all an illusion? This essay will analyse character, symbolism and societal settings in the texts, 'Slumdog Millionaire' by Danny Boyle, 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 'Both Sides Now' by Joni Mitchell and 'To Kill A Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, in an attempt to bring us closer to answering that seemingly unanswerable question - what really is love? .
In Slumdog Millionaire, love certainly conquers all. Jamal is very much an idealistic dreamer, who is willing to give up everything for the love of his life, Latika. From the very moment Latika is left behind on the train, Jamal sets his purpose to reunite with her and goes on the 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?' game show as a way of finding her. The reoccurring image of Latika's yellow dress symbolizes how Latika is Jamal's dream and source of hope. As yellow is associated with the colour of the sun, it portrays how Latika is the sole light in Jamal's life and he continues to follow her. While some may consider this to be a delusional approach to love, Jamal's ability to block out all other distractions and follow this 'light' is the prime reason for his reconnecting with Latika. When they meet at Javed's mansion after years of separation, the following dialogue expresses Jamal's utopian perspective of love, in contrast with Latika's more realistic approach:.
Jamal: Come away with me.
Latika: Away where? And live on what? What can you provide? What have you got, Jamal?.
