As we roll into February, most of us are probably patting ourselves on the back for surviving the after-holiday burnout and making it through the first month of the new year. But then we begin to hear talk of Valentine’s Day and suddenly develop this urgency to turn back time--or at least stop it long enough to prepare for the incoming tidal wave of candy hearts and chocolate kisses.
It’s that time of year again when couples get to celebrate their longtime love and single people get to tuck in bed and drink lots of wine. While some will be deciding between flowers or an artistic card from Papyrus, others, like myself, will be feeling intimidated by the array of pink and red decorations popping up all over the place.
Whether you make time to celebrate or not, there’s no denying that in some shape or form the holiday is going to make itself known. So, rather than panic as the days count down, spend some time catching up with four of Fiction's most iconic couples.
1. Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe
"Anne of Green Gables" is a series I grew up with as a little girl and one that I continue to look to for inspiration as an adult. This coming of age story introduces readers to the infamous Anne Shirley, and tells of her wild adventures in the quaint town of Avonlea. Written by L.M. Montgomery, it explores mistakes and second chances, forgiveness and compassion, faith and love.
Like many girls, "Anne of Green Gables" was the first fictional story to shape my idea of romance. I fell hard for the cocky Gilbert Blyth and his transition into the very real man of Anne's dreams.
Whenever I think of Green Gables I can’t help but dote on the hilarity that ensued between the hot-tempered Anne and her handsome suitor. The two butt heads at first when Gilbert dares to tease Anne about her “red” hair. And from then on, they become competitive rivals, each entirely absorbed in the other.
The narrative moves forward with Gilbert longing for Anne, who is not like other girls, as Anne goes off to pursue her dreams to teach, write and find love. Only, she keeps looking for herself and for romance in all the wrong places. Finally, after much trial and error, she is brought back to her home in Avonlea and to Gilbert, whom she was destined to be with all along.
Does this story sound somewhat familiar? It should, because just about every woman can relate to Anne. It's no secret that most of us have "been there, done that". But hey, L.M. Montgomery is kind enough to remind us that even if it takes time, one day we will discover our purpose and meet a true kindred spirit.
2. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy
“What are men to rocks and mountains?”
This famous couple should come as no surprise to avid readers and writers of Romance. This July will mark the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's passing, who is the queen of the English love story. From a young age, she began to set pen to paper to record her impressions of eighteenth century society. This included her thoughts on men, women, courtship, marriage, education, the arts, good fortune and the lack thereof.
As a woman and writer, she managed to transcend gender barriers by writing about the world in an honest and critical fashion. Her witty sarcasm amused readers, but also reinforced the nature of the cultural traditions adhered to during her time.
Her stories have proven that true love is timeless. That females can be fiercely independent. That happy endings are not impossible; they are simply hard won.
"Pride and Prejudice" is my favorite Austen creation; I've yet to find a story that tops this expertly woven tale of family, fortune and love.
Elizabeth Bennet is the second daughter from a family of five girls, all eager to make their debut into society. Unlike her scheming mother, Mrs. Bennet, who is determined to see her five daughters wed to wealthy bachelors, Elizabeth dreams of marrying for love despite knowing that marriage is a market.
She meets her match at the neighborhood ball when the handsome and wealthy Mr. Darcy strolls in and sweeps the entire room off its feet. She begins to think that her luck is turning, that she may have a chance at true love after all, until she realizes that the upstanding Mr. Darcy is both conceited and condescending.
Thus begins this epic whirlwind of a romance that ends with these two prideful (and at times, awkward) individuals falling hopelessly in love.
3. Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler
These two may not be the ideal fictional couple, but their relationship is as intense and passionate as it is tragic and iconic.
I don't believe any fictional couple has frustrated me as much as Scarlett and Rhett. But in their defense, Margaret Mitchell saddled them with a heavy load of emotional baggage that is hard to overcome.
"Gone With The Wind" is one of those romantically complex stories that you hate to love--or love to hate. It takes place prior to the Civil War, and after, when the South teemed with lovely Southern belles and eligible gentlemen. Enter heart stopper, Scarlett O'Hara and Casanova, Rhett Butler, and you've got yourself a recipe for romance.
Despite the back and forth, will-they-or-won't-they sequence of the story, Scarlett and Rhett do eventually marry and start a family. It seems all is as it should be. But before one has the chance to celebrate and toss confetti, they are torn a part by a series of unfortunate events.
Though their happiness is short-lived, one can never forget how determined Rhett was to pursue Scarlett when she wanted nothing but to avoid him. Or how she kept letting every opportunity to be with him slip through her fingers while she chased after Ashley Wilkes.
Luckily, Mitchell created Scarlett to be a woman far ahead of her time. When it appears that all hope is lost and Rhett gone forever, she astonishes with her resolute determination to get her one true love back.
4. Jamie Sullivan and Landon Carter
On January 25th actress and singer, Mandy Moore took to Facebook to ask fans what their favorite scenes were from her 2002 film, "A Walk to Remember". In honor of the film's 15th Anniversary, I felt called to say a little something about Nicholas Sparks' influence on the Romance genre. Like Austen, several of his novels have been adapted to film for romance fans to gush over.
The second in a long list of designated chick-flicks, "A Walk to Remember" is the heart-twisting story of two mismatched North Carolina teens who find solace in each other during a difficult period of their lives. Both experience a lifetime together within the short time span of a few years. Tragedy strikes, leaving one behind to reminisce on the transcendent power of love and the beauty of miracles.
Jamie and Landon make an attractive pair, despite their contrasting personalities. From the moment Jamie persuades Landon to promise not to fall in love with her, it becomes impossible not to root for the two to get together. Sadly, the Bible-hugging Jamie is revealed to be hiding a guarded secret that could threaten their happy ending.
Both Landon and Jamie must learn to rely on each other, to trust unconditionally in Jamie's unwavering faith, to conquer their fear of being separated.
For those who may not have had the opportunity to sing along to "Only Hope" with Moore during the memorable high school play scene, this movie is a must-see. The bittersweet romance Sparks envisioned is certain to stick in your mind long after the credits roll.
