The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern

Through its dual timelines, the novel follows its characters from youth to their later years, exploring how their personalities develop over a lifetime. However, certain core qualities in their natures persist through the years, indicating that fundamental aspects of their identities do not change, despite external circumstances and life experiences. 

Augusta and Irving’s reunion at Rallentando Springs offers strong evidence of this idea: Neither of them has fundamentally changed at their core. Irving recognizes Augusta by her self-contained manner as well as her tuchus (Yiddish slang for “derriere”). Augusta, in turn, identifies Irving by his blue eyes, which are still filled with mischief. Irving also notices that Augusta’s lofty demeanor has not changed. He still thinks of her as “a matchless being—rare, exotic, wary, exceptional” (162). The years haven’t changed the essence of who they are or how they perceive one another.

However, while Irving believes he is fundamentally the same man Augusta once loved, he thinks that life’s challenges—such as his divorce—have changed him. Still, other aspects of his character are directly tied to Augusta’s influence. His interest in literature, for instance, stems from the book of poetry she gave him as a graduation gift, and his dedication to swimming results from a wish to feel closer to her by taking up the exercise she loves.