Introduction
One of the most important elements of human experience addressed and explored in Purple Hearts by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum is love. The latter perspective is critical because it serves as a driving force throughout the film, especially for the character Cassie Salazar. The film addresses the character’s evolution from intimacy to dislike to true love through its three core songs, such as ‘Come Back Home,’ ‘I Hate the Way,’ and ‘I Didn’t Know.’
‘Come Back Home’
Firstly, the film is built in a way where there is an intention to showcase how intimate attraction is separate from love. The song titled ‘Come Back Home’ expresses Cassie’s attraction to Luke as becoming stronger. Cassie and Luke are central characters who decide to marry to abuse the insurance of the military service (Rosenbaum). Before the deployment, they become intimate with each other, planting the seeds for the growth of love.
‘I Hate the Way’
Secondly, the song ‘I Hate the Way’ is the moment where the couple’s intimate attraction becomes dismantled at the first instance of a common struggle. Their cohabitation and day-to-day living become rather challenging, showing that the attraction was not substantiated by love (Rosenbaum). Both Luke and Cassie are financially insecure and need to tolerate each other in order to continue on their paths.
‘I Didn’t Know’
Thirdly, by the time of the song ‘I Didn’t Know,’ events escalate up to the point of Luke being expelled from the military and jailed for breaking the military law. The central element of the given moment is Cassie’s realization that she truly loves Luke, who already reciprocates by taking the blame himself (Rosenbaum). Seeds of love have grown, and the loss of her partner causes emotional pain intolerable enough for her to run back to Luke.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the major lesson on human experience can be drawn from the film, which is that it cannot be faked or forcibly hastened. Luke and Cassie’s first marriage began with attraction and intimacy, which suppose to start the relationship. As he returned, they forced their problems upon each other, putting a heavy strain on the relationship. Their true love manifests only after they honestly learn about each other.