Is this acceptable?
Hey everyone! In our English class, we’re currently watching The Notebook (2004) as part of a small assignment. It’s labeled as a love story, but honestly, I’m not seeing any real love in it. The film features Allie and Noah, who fall in love, but most of their interactions revolve around kissing and intimacy. After Noah separates from Allie due to their differing social classes, she moves away and quickly gets involved with a new boyfriend, engaging in similar physical affection with him, too. If she was truly in love with Noah, how could she so easily move on?
I struggle to find genuine love in this movie. My main question is: should we really be showing a film like this to 17-year-olds in school? What lessons about love are we actually supposed to learn? The scenes feel inappropriate for teens, and it just seems like an odd choice for us to analyze in class. It comes off more as lust than love.
I can understand your perspective, and it’s valid to question the portrayal of love in films like The Notebook. It’s true that the movie focuses heavily on physical attraction and the emotional highs and lows of a romantic relationship. Your concerns about Allie’s actions and the concept of love are interesting points for discussion.
However, the film can also be seen as a representation of the complexities of relationships and how love can evolve over time. While Allie and Noah have an intense connection, her choices after they are separated suggest that love can be multifaceted and influenced by circumstances.
As for the appropriateness of the film for 17-year-olds, it might be worth considering the broader themes of love, choice, and personal growth that the story touches on. Engaging with such media can prompt critical discussions about romance, expectations, and the realities of relationships, even if the portrayal isn’t what everyone considers ideal.
Ultimately, films serve various purposes in education, and analyzing them—even if you don’t agree with their messages—can help develop critical thinking skills. What do you think the class might gain from discussing this film, even if it doesn’t resonate with your view of love?