Daniel is not in love with Gwendolyn. Don't ever believe it! He never was in love with Gwendolyn. I have no ideas why the filmmakers decided to push that angle, which has clearly led many a viewer astray, leaving them tragical and mystified when he chooses Myrah. I was dumfounded that they would seem to make the Dan/Gwen romance the central one, BUT IT'S NOT! In the book, which everyone ought to read anyways, Dan is interested in Gwen as a beautiful woman who is reliant on him, whereas she, as a self centered individual, believes that she means more to him than she really does, and does love him, as far as she is capable. He loves Myrah throughout, but can never tell his love as she can only marry a Jew. He is freed to love her upon the discovery of his heritage, not obligated to, as some have inferred.
The book is of course far more complicated, and they took many liberties with the storyline in the film, but this issue of the love triangle really seems to derail many viewers enjoyment who believe the films unnecessary love triangle red herring. Don't get attached!
But read the book! George Elliot is an incredible writer, and the Dan/Myrah love will satisfy any romantic.
The book is of course far more complicated, and they took many liberties with the storyline in the film, but this issue of the love triangle really seems to derail many viewers enjoyment who believe the films unnecessary love triangle red herring. Don't get attached!
But read the book! George Elliot is an incredible writer, and the Dan/Myrah love will satisfy any romantic.