Romance In Literature

"Love is like a red, red rose," said Robert Burns. Perhaps, but should we write about it? Romance has played an immense role in literature throughout history, probably because it plays such an immense role in life. One of the most important decisions you will ever face will be the choice of a spouse; it affects your life, your children, your success in life, and your heritage after death. "But love is blind, and lovers cannot see the pretty follies that themselves commit." [1] That fact helped to earn Shakespeare over four centuries of fame. Was it biblical?

Is Fictional Romance Biblical?

If it isn't biblical to write about romance, you had better tear out the books of Ruth, Esther, and the Song of Solomon. While you're ripping, don't forget to take care of pages in Genesis, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, and many of the other books of the Bible. If romance isn't biblical, then the Bible isn't biblical. Critics will likely object that these passages are historical in nature, not fictional. Certainly, many of them are recounting historic deeds, but not all. Think of the Song of Solomon, which is in many ways allegorical, or Proverbs 7, where a story of ungodly romance is used to warn young men from dangerous relationships. Written romance, even fictional romance, is biblical.

Is Fictional Romance Wise?

A scene from Henty's When London Burned

Love is often compared to a fire, and for good reason. Fire can warm our bodies, cook our food, and comfort our souls, but it can also consume our flesh and turn us into the dust from which we came. Romance is no different. Used improperly, as it most often is in today's literature, it can create ungodly desires and encourage us in immoral choices. As humans, love stirs the depths of our souls. We feel for a character who is willing to remove any obstacles between him and his beloved. Sometimes, though, those obstacles are necessary, and shouldn't be removed.

Now that we recognize the dangers inherent in love stories, we can advance to the topic of virtuous romance. Virtuous romance involves a man and a woman who are prepared to follow God's law in their relationship both before and after the marriage covenant. The more burning buildings, pillaging armies, and ruthless villains between them the better, as long as these obstacles are weaved properly into the plot.

Romantic Elements in Books

Malchus and Clotilde escape from Rome

There is a difference between a Romance novel and a novel which includes romance. Romance novels are a genre of their own which I'll discuss in a moment. Elements of romance in a book are generally weaved into a larger story, such as David Copperfield's life, or Beric the Briton's fight for freedom. They add power, punch, and often comedy. Being a Roman slave, such as Malchus in The Young Carthaginian, is a problem. Being a Roman slave, and desiring to protect your beloved from a heartless Roman noble, is an even bigger problem.

"You knew that I loved you, and for every time you have thought of me, be it ever so often, I have thought of you a score. You knew that I loved you and intended to ask your hand from your father." ^[2]

Malchus raises another point in his brief declaration of love that is completely foreign to most novels today. A girl's father is her authority, and, according to Scripture, he is the point of access to her heart. Of course, there are times when this is not possible, such as when the girl is orphaned, but the principle remains. A young man trying to skirt a father's authority is not being virtuous.

Romance As a Genre

In the Romance genre, the main plot of the book is the romance, and the setting and action are generally accessories. I don't see a principial problem with this, so long as it follows biblical guidelines. Be careful, though, that you don't fill your mind with unrealistic ideas about who your spouse should be. Mr. Darcy is much too busy answering mail from his fan club to think about marrying you.

Conclusion

If romance is biblical, then there is a place for it in literature. Just remember that there can be too much of a good thing. Be careful how much time you spend in its coiled web, and don't get unrealistic notions of perfection. Filter what you read, and you'll filter how you act. Now, I'll conclude with a favorite quote from R. M. Ballantyne's The Island Queen.

It is of no use mincing the matter; Dr. John Marsh, after being regarded by his friends at home as hopelessly unimpressible--in short, an absolute woman-hater--had found his fate on a desolate isle of the Southern seas, he had fallen--nay, let us be just--had jumped over head and ears in love with Pauline Rigonda! Dr. Marsh was no sentimental die-away noodle who, half-ashamed, half-proud of his condition, displays it to the semi-contemptuous world. No; after disbelieving for many years in the power of woman to subdue him, he suddenly and manfully gave in--sprang up high into the air, spiritually, and so to speak, turning a sharp somersault, went headlong down deep into the flood, without the slightest intention of ever again returning to the surface. ^[3]