Genre Spotlight: Romance
Brief history and impact of the romance genre
10/13/20234 min read
Genre Spotlight: Romance
Introduction
The next genre I'd like to explore is romance. Although I'm not an avid romance reader, I often find elements of romance incorporated into various genres. My earliest memories of the genre involve accompanying my mother to the bookstore, where she would often pick up books featuring Fabio on the cover. While my direct experience with romance comes more from watching films, in this post, I will delve into the origins and impact of the romance genre.
Understanding Romance Novels
Romance novels are fictional works that primarily focus on a central love story with a satisfying, conclusive ending. While these novels can contain various subplots, the central plot revolves around the development of a romantic relationship. These stories can unfold in diverse settings, ranging from 19th century London to contemporary times, and may incorporate elements of different genres like thrillers and mysteries. The core of these narratives lies in the protagonists' ability to overcome challenges and conflicts to nurture their relationship. The satisfactory conclusion typically involves the characters achieving their goals and finding lasting happiness. Within the romance genre, one can find various subcategories, including contemporary, erotic, historical, and young adult romance.
Origins and Historical Significance
The roots of the romance genre can be traced back to ancient Greece, with early stories dating from the 1st to 4th centuries A.D. that set the tone for future romance literature. Although only a handful of these stories remain, such as Heliodorus’ "Ethiopian Romance," their influence on the genre is notable. During the Middle Ages, romance novels evolved to incorporate structures similar to those found in contemporary works, featuring characters like chivalrous knights. The genre experienced a decline in popularity in 1605, partly due to the satirical take on chivalry in the first part of "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, which shifted away from idealized notions with a touch of realism. Modern-day romance literature also draws inspiration from Samuel Richardson’s 1740 novel "Pamela." In the late 18th and mid-19th centuries, gothic writers adapted the genre, exemplified by Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein," which introduced darker elements to romance literature. Presently, the genre encompasses an array of themes and narratives.
Pioneers of the Genre
One of the most prominent pioneers of the romance genre is Jane Austen, whose 19th-century works such as "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma" provided insightful perspectives on marriage from a female standpoint. These stories highlighted the individual needs of women and their journey toward successful relationships, setting the stage for subsequent works like "Bridget Jones’s Diary." These early novels typically featured heterosexual, white female protagonists striving to overcome personal obstacles in the pursuit of true love, contributing to the popularization of the concept of "happily ever after."
The Bronte sisters, including Charlotte Bronte with "Jane Eyre," known for its gothic elements, and Emily Bronte with "Wuthering Heights," featuring tumultuous romantic relationships, also made significant contributions to the genre during this period.
Influential Works
In the 20th century, Georgette Heyer's Georgian-era romance "The Black Moth" breathed new life into the genre, while Margaret Mitchell's "Gone with the Wind," although not strictly a romance novel, influenced many subsequent works with similar themes and settings. The portrayal of protagonists in romance novels underwent a transformation in the 1950s and 60s, shifting from primarily housewives to women with diverse careers.
The publishing house Harlequin played a pivotal role in popularizing romance novels, with their covers often featuring embracing lovers and evocative scenes, contributing to a dreamlike ambiance. This aesthetic inspired other publishers to adopt similar cover designs. Modern-day romance novels from the 2000s have evolved to embrace diversity more inclusively. Notable contemporary authors making an impact in this regard include Helen Hoang with "The Kiss Quotient" and Vanessa North with "Roller Girl." Furthermore, esteemed author Beverly Jenkins has been writing historical romance novels featuring African American protagonists since 1994. Additionally, noteworthy series like Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" and Lisa Kleypas's "Hathaway" have left lasting impressions on the genre. E. L. James’s "Fifty Shades of Grey" series also significantly impacted the contemporary romance landscape.
Adaptations
The realm of romance novels has seen numerous noteworthy adaptations, with author Nicholas Sparks's works, such as "A Walk to Remember" and "The Notebook," being among the most notable. Another significant example is the "Twilight" series by Stephanie Meyer, which not only garnered a dedicated fan base but also attracted casual moviegoers, becoming a cultural phenomenon and revitalizing the portrayal of romantic relationships involving vampires and werewolves.
Influence and Impact
The romance genre continues to evolve, challenging gender stereotypes and frequently featuring strong female leads, contributing to a more progressive representation of love and relationships. While romance novels sometimes present unrealistic depictions of love, it is interesting to note that approximately 16 percent of readers are male, indicating a growing appeal across genders. The genre's significant influence extends beyond the film industry, impacting diverse fields such as music and video games. Many musicians and songwriters draw inspiration from romantic tropes, as exemplified by Taylor Swift's metaphorical use of "Romeo and Juliet" in her song "Love Story." Within the gaming industry, numerous games incorporate elements of romance, allowing players to engage in narratives that emphasize romantic connections.
Conclusion
Romance is a genre with a rich history that continues to evolve dynamically. Its impact is far-reaching, extending to various other genres and promoting inclusivity. With a vast array of romance novels catering to diverse topics and readers, the genre remains a prominent force within the literary world.
Sources:
1. "Writing 101: What Is a Romance Novel? Learn About the History and Characteristics of Romance Novels" from Masterclass
2. "Romance Genre: Definition" from Study.com
3. "A Brief History of Romance Novels" from The New York Public Library