The novel Delirium by Lauren Oliver speaks the thematic concept of love. The theme of love is that it’s a powerful tool bringing people together, and can conquer challenges presented by life. The novel takes place in the city of Portland, Maine. It is a society where boys and girls are forbidden to talk to each other for fear of catching the disease called deliria nervosa (disease of love). In this tale the United States government has come up with a procedure that makes a person incapable of feeling love or any other important emotion. The main character is an eighteen year old girl named Lena, who has lived her whole life in fear of catching deliria nervosa. Until, one day she falls in love with a boy named Alex. After falling in love, Lena realizes that love is not something to be feared, it is something that should be celebrated. It is a powerful tool, which when used correctly, can empower people and make life easier. Through the author’s use of detailed authentic imagery, the novel creates a very memorable story line. The dramatic plot twists, and descriptive backstories of characters, gives the reader an entertaining and thrilling experience. Lauren Oliver expresses the opinion of not letting rules get in the way of living. The author creatively conveyed this throughout the novel. I agree, rules should not define how you live your life. But, some rules are necessary for safety and are in place for the greater good of the population. I disagree with the author's opinion that a person should change things about themselves to be with the person they love. People should not have to change anything about themselves for love. If they are truly in love, that person should love everything about them. The novel suggests possibilities about loving multiple people. It also suggests even though laws in society may be ok, it does not mean that the laws are right. Delirium, leaves out the issue of not ending up with the right person. Life is more complicated than finding the right person on the first try. Lauren Oliver's opinion of not letting rules define your life, can only be compared to the book the Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld. In the novel The Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld, a young girl breaks free of societal law. Delirium made me think about the laws in my society, and whether they were right or not. This novel made me put a pause on my personal obligations, and I spent three days fully absorbed in the novel. Life should be full of love, and societal rules should not determine how you live your life.
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