Love and Selfishness

True love is portrayed as selfless and sacrificial, while selfishness—embodied by the Miller, the Rocket, and the Star-Child—leads to isolation and moral decay.

The swallow's initial love for the Reed is self-centered, but his later devotion to the Prince becomes selfless and sacrificial.

The Student's love is shallow and self-centered, contrasted with the Nightingale's genuine, selfless love.

The Rocket's obsession with his own importance contrasts with the genuine love of the Prince and Princess, exposing selfishness disguised as sympathy.

The Fisherman's love for the Mermaid is portrayed as selfless and enduring, resisting the Soul's temptations of wisdom and pleasure.