On the Beach Theme of Love

Love might make the world go around, but that's not going to help much in the event of a nuclear apocalypse. That's what we learned in On the Beach, at least. As we watch the survivors of this great calamity rebuild their lives amidst the rubble, we start to realize that everyone has the same thing on his or her mind: love. Some are caught up in hopeless affairs. Some are pained by memories of loved ones who've become nuclear toast. And others are just dealing with the day-to-day business of married life. No matter which way you slice it, On the Beach points to the importance of love—even when the world is falling down around you.

Questions About Love

  1. Does Dwight love Moira? Explain.
  2. Why does Moira continue to hang out with Dwight after learning that nothing will happen between them?
  3. Is Moira naive about love? Why or why not?
  4. What prevents Dwight from getting into a relationship with Moira?