The sensations that follow love are many, but one that is present in many works of art involving love touch on the idea of fire and a ‘burning’ desire. In Daphnis and Chloe, the connection to fire appears in the scene following Philetas’ discussion on love with the two love birds. Daphnis and Chloe are left to soak in Philetas’ words and start making connections, “They seem to be on fire, and fire is upon us.” They realize the burning desire from love is something that others feel as well. “Ring of Fire,” by Johnny Cash, addresses the same fiery sensation resulting from love in the first verse, “Love is a burning thing, and it makes a fiery ring, bound by wild desire, I fell into a ring of fire.” Like Daphnis and Chloe, Johnny Cash sings about falling prey to love, along with the burning desire that comes with it. The song and book both allude to love as a feeling that is coupled with desire, a desire that eventually grows stronger, much like a spark that transforms into a fire.
Although the burning desire from love is present in both works, it is important to note that the origination of this desire is expressed in different lights. In the song, the desire from love acts as a driver, propelling him further into the ring of fire that is love. In the line from the book, the desire appears to be growing, but it doesn’t embody the guiding nature as directly as it does in the song.
Daphnis and Chloe, Longus
“They seem to be on fire, and fire is upon us.”