Romantic Literature

I never realized before (not consciously anyway) how much I am drawn to Romantic literature. Not to be confused with modern "chick lit," I'm referring to classic literature of the Romanticism era (ie, the late 18th century).

Last night I had the delightful opportunity to watch the newest film release of the classic "Jane Eyre" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8J6Cjn06kA) with my mom. I knew it was a classic by one of the Bronte sisters, but that's all I knew about it. Given that I tend to enjoy classic literature books and films, I figured there would be a strong chance I'd like it. Not only did I like it, I loved it. I thought perhaps there was something about this movie that had me so drawn to it, but I couldn't pinpoint what it could be.

My mom, a college English and Humanities professor, told me after the movie was over that it had all the qualities of the Romanticism genre: a misunderstood loner who follows his/her own way rather than the conventional standards of the time, nature, traveling, the supernatural, emphasis on women and children, and speaking to the "common" people (vs. only the aristocracy). It also focused on conveying feelings of horror, awe, and trepidation.

I'm not sure why I'm attracted to these particular characteristics, perhaps because it is the one time period I can see myself living in or wish I could live in if I could choose to live in another era. In some weird way, I can identify with the main character's internal struggles in Romanticism....the intellectual strength and emotional angst they experience. I can especially identify with the identity of 'loner' (going off the beaten path/the road less traveled), being attracted to someone who is different from the conventional standard (and also wanting that same kind of attraction reciprocated). I also like the juxtaposition of beauty (aka nature) against horror. It seems to accurately depict how life can be simultaneously a balance of exquisite and tragic. Now I know why I've also loved other Romantic era novels, like "Frankenstein," "Scarlet Letter," as well as the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau!

More specific to "Jane Eyre," I appreciate the fact that Jane is a strong, confident, and incredibly self-reliant woman who doesn't need to be rescued by a man....such a refreshing thing to see from the stereotypical norm of "damsel in distress." Again, I could very much relate to this character, as I've never relied on anyone to 'rescue' me throughout my life.

At the same time, I long for the kind of passionate, deep devotion and unconditional love Jane and Rochester have for one another....the kind of love that appears to know no bounds. I wonder, however, if such a thing exists in the 21st century. Or maybe that has never existed. Regardless, it's an idealistic notion of passion and love I can at least dream about or aspire to attain.

I'm craving to read some Romantic literature now...