What We Talk About When We Talk About Love Chapter Summary & Analysis | Analysis

Analysis

It is interesting to note that Mel, who is the dominant character in the story, is a cardiologist. Obviously Mel knows all about the physical properties of the heart but ironically cannot grasp the elusive romantic and emotional characteristics attributed to the heart. It is only with the properties of alcohol which loosens the reserve of Mel and the others at the table that they are able to broach the topic of real love.

Symbolic of Mel's profession, he attempts to dissect the topic of love with the precision with which he normally operates. Analysis and science have no bearing on the emotions of the human heart which frustrates the cardiologist. The author plants Mel as the perfect irony of daily tending to the physical ailments of the heart but unable to grasp the concept of fixing one broken by unrequited or imperfect love.

Although Mel's behavior becomes increasingly offensive...
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