The Four Loves

Lewis’s characterization of Affection comes from the Greek word storge, which he defines as: “affection, especially of parents to offspring” (31). Among the four loves, he believes that it is the love in which a human’s experience differs least from the animals. As an example of Affection, Lewis asks the reader to imagine a mother nursing an infant. The child feels Need-love as the mother gives Gift-love. However, he says that her affection is also a Need-love: the sustenance of her body is a Gift-love that needs to be needed.

“Almost anyone can become an object of Affection; the ugly, the stupid, even the exasperating” (32). Because animals demonstrate affection, Lewis calls it “the least discriminating of loves” (32). Few people will aspire to be like animals, and if an animal is capable of affection, it is no proof to the author that Affection is a logical good.

Affection does not burst onto one in the way that falling in love does. There is no moment in which one realizes that Affection has begun. Those for whom affection is felt are often taken for granted, something that is not the case with the other loves.

Affection can seep into and color the other loves.