The Loved One

The object of the lover's discourse is referred to by Barthes as "the other" or "the loved one." The loved one is the object of the lover's discourse and the source of the roller coaster ride experienced by the lover in dealing with their relationship. The other one is the object of the lover's obsession, the one who constantly disturbs his Image-repertoire. The Image-repertoire is a set of the lover's realities defining his relationship and lover. His reality may not necessarily be the same as his lover's reality. All the same, it is a fragile house of cards that can be easily disturbed or destroyed. It is entirely dependent upon the loved one's adherence to its realities, even though she is not aware of them. Once the lover departs from the Image-repertoire it causes hurt and even tragedy to the lover.

Although the reader never hears...