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Chapter 23
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Me Before You, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Ambition and Achievement
Love and Sacrifice
Quality of Life
Fitness
Summary
Analysis
Lou adamantly refuses to speak to or help Will on the flight back to England, much to the shock of the other passengers. Nathan tries to keep the peace but soon just takes care of Will’s needs and lets Lou sit alone with her thoughts. More than just the loss of pride that Will refused her, Lou also can’t cope with the fact that Will will soon be gone from the world completely. When Will and Nathan fall asleep on the plane, Lou can’t resist adjusting Will’s blanket so he won’t get cold.
Now that Lou has fully crossed the boundary of caregiver with Will, she cannot go back to the professional relationship that they once had. Nathan is able to separate his responsibility for Will’s physical well-being from their friendship, but Lou cannot disengage from her emotional attachment to Will. Yet Lou still clearly cares for Will, making sure that he won’t get chilled on the plane.
Themes
Camilla and Steven are waiting at the arrivals gate for Will, Nathan, and Lou, ready to take them to a fancy dinner and hear all about the trip. Camilla’s eyes light up at Will’s tan and the glow of health in his eyes, so Lou puts on her sunglasses so that the haunted expression in her own eyes won’t show. Lou refuses to go to dinner with them and tries to escape to go back to her parents’ house.
Will’s appearance, as with the haircut previously in the book, is at odds with his mental state. Though he looks perfectly healthy, Will is more determined than ever to end his life. Lou also hides the physical signs of her emotional distress.
Themes
Camilla follows Lou as she leaves the airport and Lou can no longer hide the news that Will did not change his mind about going to Dignitas. Camilla faints and Steven rushes over to catch her before she falls to the floor. Lou can’t stay a moment longer and rushes out of the airport.
Steven comes to Camilla’s aid in this time of crisis, supporting her at the most important moment. The Traynor family still loves each other when it matters.
Themes
