Another question for readers–and authors can chime in too
Do you think happy endings are more romantic or does tragedy touch you? I mean the kind of thing we see in some literature (Romeo and Juliet), grande opera and a lot of dramas both on stage and screen. You know, the tragic consumptive heroine singing her heart out until her last breath (get real!)or the hero who is determined to die for his love and does so…
Just curious. I know that movies like Love Story and even musicals like West Side Story and Cabaret are often termed “romantic” but I tend to shake my head. When someone is left alone and weeping, is that romance? While dying for one’s beloved is certainly a grand gesture and at times very touching and noble, I would rather my dear ones livefor me. As I would prefer to do for them as well!
For a long time the romance genre has had one almost unbreakable rule. Others may be bent and twisted, sometimes even shattered but we demand a happy ending, if not happily ever after, at least happy for now. ANd that still feels right to me!
There are times to wallow in the maudlin sentimentality of unrequited love, tragic partings and such but I just cannot label that “romance”. Am I the lone ranger here or do some of you agree with me?
More comments please and more chances to win that gift basket! Doesn’t it have your name on it?
0 COMMENTS
Robin DeJarnett
14 years agoI’m totally with you, AzGaye. I want a happy ending. I remember when we went to see Aida, the musical. I love both Elton John and Tim Rice, and was excited to see it. Let’s just say it didn’t end with a happily ever after. I went home depressed, wishing I hadn’t gone.
Romance, to me, dictates a happy ending. In fact, the definition of the romance genre includes a happy ending, which is why I enjoy it.
Not that there can’t be tragedy in a romance…but in the end I want to see the lovers overcome. And overcome together.
Robin
JoAnne Kenrick
14 years agoI’m with ya, too. Sad endings just aren’t romantic. Although, in some instances, the story needs that tragic ending — it feels ‘right’ for the characters/storyline in question. Still, it doesn’t make it romantic. NOPE. Happy ever after, or for now, is needed for the complete romantic movie/book experience in my opinion.
Cindy L
14 years agoI’ll admit that I’m a sucker for a HEA, but I did finish a book that had a tragic ending that blossomed into a great sequel. At the time I was completely annoyed at how it ended, but the sequel more than made up for it!
Rachel
14 years agoI like a good tragedy, makes me feel better for those that never do find love. It’s a way to let them know their not alone. Don’t need devotion and a ring every time.