Nature
Nature is both the backdrop and an acting force throughout the story. Daphnis and Chloe are subjected to the ills of nature when they are exposed by their parents as infants. However, nature also offers a sense of nurturing for both characters as they are nursed and raised within the woods by animals. The lack of nature once the story moves into an urban environment proves disadvantageous for the characters and their pursuit of love. Nature is also personified through Pan, the god of natural entities, who acts as a savior for Chloe.
Love
Daphnis and Chloe evaluates the idea of love being both instinctual and learned. While both characters acknowledge their unfamiliar feelings, they can't identify them as love without the teachings of Philetas. Likewise, Daphnis is ignorant to sexuality before Lycaenion offers her expertise. The story suggests that the physical feelings we attribute to love are given meaning and significance by humanity and not necessarily biological presets.
