Genre features and conventions

1. Genre features and conventions Romance

2. Origins • Romance fiction has been popular since the 19th century. • The audience for romance fiction is predominantly female • In the 19th century, when girls had very little choice or freedom, romance fiction offered an escape and fantasised view of love

3. Origins (cont) • Women in the 19th century • Were not always free to choose their own husband • Were unable to gain a divorce • Were not allowed to own property if they married • Had no rights in law if they were beaten, abused or mistreated by their husbands

4. plot • Boy meets girl • There is a misunderstanding or situation that means that they don’t like each other at first. • When they get together, they face obstacles and opposition, until… • Boy loses girl due to misunderstanding • The misunderstanding is resolved and they reconcile

5. Characters • Handsome boy • Quirky/less attractive girl • Best friend who opposes relationship • Parent/adult who disapproves of relationship • The love rival

6. language • Romance fiction typically contains long descriptive passage on: • The appearance of the hero/heroine • The thoughts and emotions of the heroine • the first kiss • The girl’s emotional reaction to physical contact with the boy