Platonic love
A form of love emphasising intellectual, spiritual, and emotional connection without sexual or romantic component. Platonic love values companionship, mutual understanding, and shared values over passion or physical attraction.
Real World
The intense but non-romantic bond between Frodo and Sam in Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' is frequently cited as a literary model of platonic love — devoted, selfless, and defined by shared purpose rather than desire.
Exam Focus
Avoid describing platonic love simply as 'friendship' — explain why the absence of eros is significant to the text's meaning for full AO2 marks.
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