"Live boldly."
Me Before You - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Bumblebee Tights
The bumblebee tights symbolize Lou's quirky, non-conformist personality and her initial childlike innocence. They represent the vibrant, unique spirit that she brings into Will's life. When Will gifts her a new pair for her birthday, it signifies his acceptance and love for her exactly as she is. Her wearing them proudly at the end shows she has integrated Will's lesson to 'live boldly' without losing her core self.
Lou mentions that she had a beloved pair of these tights as a child. Will remembers this and buys them for her birthday. In the final scene in Paris, she is seen wearing a pair, symbolizing her journey and his lasting impact on her.
The Castle
The Traynor family's castle symbolizes both the vast difference in social class between Lou and Will and the gilded cage of Will's existence. For Will, it's a home he can no longer fully experience, representing his lost freedom. For Lou, it's initially an intimidating symbol of a world she doesn't belong to. As they grow closer, the castle becomes the backdrop for their shared history, transforming from a place of confinement to a space where their love blossomed.
The castle is the primary setting for the film, where Lou works and where most of her interactions with Will take place. It is a constant visual reminder of Will's wealth and privileged past.
Paris
Paris symbolizes the life of adventure, culture, and experience that Will once lived and desperately wants for Lou. It represents a world beyond their small town—a world of possibilities. For Will, it's a cherished memory he can't return to, but for Lou, it becomes her future. It is the physical embodiment of his final wish for her to 'live well'.
Will often talks about his time in Paris. In his final letter to Lou, he encourages her to go there and leaves her the money to do so. The film's final scene shows Lou in a Parisian café, reading his letter and starting her new life.
The Red Dress
The red dress symbolizes confidence, transformation, and a pivotal moment in Lou and Will's relationship. It is a departure from Lou's usual quirky attire and marks a step into a more sophisticated world that Will introduces her to. Will's simple desire 'to be a man who has been to a concert with a girl in a red dress' encapsulates his longing for normalcy and romantic connection, making the dress a powerful symbol of their deepening love and the life they could have had.
Lou wears the striking red dress for their outing to the classical music concert. The scene is a romantic high point, where they experience a moment of profound connection and shared joy.
Philosophical Questions
What defines a 'life worth living'?
The film places this question at its very core. It presents two conflicting viewpoints: Lou's, which sees value, love, and possibility in Will's life despite his physical limitations, and Will's, which defines a worthwhile life by the standards of his past self—full of physical adventure, independence, and achievement. The narrative doesn't declare a winner. Instead, it explores the subjective nature of this question, suggesting that what constitutes a fulfilling life is a deeply personal and individual assessment. It forces the audience to confront their own beliefs about quality of life versus the intrinsic value of life itself.
Can love conquer all, and should it be expected to?
"Me Before You" directly challenges the classic romantic trope that love can overcome any obstacle. Lou believes her love can save Will and change his mind, representing the idealistic view. However, the film ultimately concludes that some things, like Will's profound personal suffering and unshakeable decision, are beyond love's power to 'fix'. It presents a more sobering perspective: love can bring immense joy, comfort, and meaning, but it cannot solve every problem or erase an individual's fundamental convictions about their own life and body.
To what extent does a person have the right to autonomy over their own life and death?
The film is a narrative exploration of the right to die and bodily autonomy. Will's decision to pursue assisted suicide is met with grief and resistance from his loved ones, who feel he is giving up. Yet, the film portrays his choice as rational and long-considered, not an impulsive act. By having Lou ultimately respect his decision and be with him at the end, the story leans into the philosophical stance that, in the end, individuals have the ultimate right to make decisions about their own lives, even if those decisions cause pain to others. It forces the audience to consider the ethical complexities of love, duty, and personal freedom.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Me Before You" revolves around the complex interplay of love, life, and individual autonomy. Director Thea Sharrock sought to explore the profound question of what makes a life worth living, not by passing judgment, but by presenting a deeply personal story. The film's central message is twofold: it champions the idea of living life to the fullest and pushing beyond one's comfort zone, as embodied by Will's encouragement of Lou. Simultaneously, it delves into the controversial and sensitive theme of the right to choose, asserting that love, while transformative, cannot conquer all obstacles or change a person's deeply held convictions about their own quality of life. It is a narrative about how two people can irrevocably change each other, even if their journey together has an end.