Up is an unfinished love story. What do we mean? When Ellie passes away, the book doesn’t close on their lifelong love affair—not because they hadn’t hit Paradise Falls yet, but because theirs is a romance so awesome that it outdoes death. As Carl flies their house to South America, Ellie rides shotgun. If he’s not looking to photos of her for inspiration, he’s straight-up asking her for advice from the great beyond. And here’s the crazy thing: he actually gets it. Ellie’s handwritten note to Carl encouraging him to find a new adventure now that she’s gone isn’t a command to make tracks for South America. It’s a tender request that he clean off his specs and notice that love is all around him. All he has to do is accept it.
Questions about Love
- How does Carl’s journey to Paradise Falls help him cope with his grief?
- How would you describe Russell’s relationship with his father?
- How does the fact that Carl and Ellie couldn’t have children of their own color Carl’s relationship with Russell?
- Do you think the dog pack loves Muntz?
Chew on This
Carl’s real quest in Up isn’t Paradise Falls; it’s coming to terms with Ellie’s death.
Carl may miss his wife something fierce, but Russell’s need for love is even greater.