After all, Howl himself says "Only way I can do something this frightening is to tell myself I'm ~not~ doing it!". Looking back at Howl's actions retrospectively, the best way to see Howl's growing love is through some of his seemingly selfish acts. Sophie seems to become accepting of her state as time progresses, though not resigned, and having discarded most of her frustration, brings a kind, homey atmosphere to the castle. No doubt, if only some time after the fact, he's quite appreciative of her ability to deal with his tantrum and her willingness to talk to him about it after. She begins demure and resigned, to life, to the spell, only leaving because "it was best just to go." What frustration she expresses goes into cleaning, but even here her considerate nature already shows through to Howl when she follows his request that she not harm a single spider. So this troper would base his coming to love her in the sense of coming to know her. As for Howl falling in love with Sophie, it could be said it worked in much the same way, though we obviously get far less of his POV, pretty much none of it in fact.But she's also come to see that he's kind, thoughtful, patient, loyal, protective and incredibly enough ~will~ step up to the plate when he sees it as something of an 'only' option.
Even at the end of the book, neither is willing to come forward with an 'I love you', but more of a 'We could manage with this arrangement.' Sophie's original opinion of Howl really hasn't changed, she still sees, and he still is, a cowardly, selfish, vain little peacock who will squirm out of or away from any little bit of unpleasantness that floats his way. But as far as the book goes, it's more of a gradual thing.
#HOWLS MOVING CASTLE SONG MOVIE#
If it weren't for facial expressions and vocal intonations, one would ask when he fell in love with her in the movie as well.