Me Before You

At the center of Louisa and Will’s hometown, the castle features heavily in the background of Me Before You. Jojo Moyes places the Traynor home near the castle as a representation of their wealth and social status. Will’s father, Steven, serves as the castle’s overseer as a nod to his privilege and power; he later hires Louisa’s father as the castle’s head of maintenance who serves under him. These class differences keep Louisa and Will separated until she enters the Traynors’ lives as Will’s caregiver. As Will and Louisa’s relationship develops, their differences in wealth and experiences remain in the background, like the castle itself. But rather than being condescending, Will introduces Louisa to music, books, and movies outside of her comfort zone. Through this guidance, she expands her worldview and begins to see the possibility of a life outside of her hometown. In a powerful moment, Will and Louisa travel to the castle together after hours. Resolute in his role as Louisa’s guide, Will insists she enter the castle maze to overcome her fear. Unbeknownst to him, her fear of the castle is not irrational—it stems from a brutal sexual assault she suffered years ago. While Will views the castle as a familiar playground, Louisa sees it as the embodiment of her deepest trauma. The castle thus highlights their differences in class and gender. However, it also unites them as common ground. Through their connection to the castle, they process Louisa’s trauma together and grow deeper in their care and respect for each other.