Weekly Geeks 2010-6: Literary Lovers

In honor of Valentine's weekend, let's talk about romantic literature. By that, I don't necessarily mean the modern romance genre, but books that you find particularly romantic.

Feel free to explore any or all of these prompts:

• What literary couple is your favorite?
  
• How do you define romantic literature? Does it always involve sex? or the hint of sex?
  
• What author/s do you think writes romantic scenes particularly well?
• Do you have a favorite romantic scene in a book?
• Do you find you read romantic literature at certain times of the year?
• Tell us your favorite romantic quote.
• Do you have some favorite romantic poetry?

Last Valentine's Day, I highlighted some of my favorite literary romances. Here are some more to celebrate this year's day of love.

Edith Adelon & Lord Percy from The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott

Everyone loves a pure and simple love story. That is exactly what The Inheritance is. Edith is so sweet an caring, Lord Percy is so gentle and kind, you can't help but root for them the whole way. Like all lovers, they have their own obstacles to overcome (class difference in their case), but in the end their pure love for each other helps overcome them. Lovely and refreshing.

I need no richer dowry than the love of such a heart, and though I take you without wealth, still in the tender reverence and fadeless gratitude of those who bless you, you have a nobler inheritance.

The 2nd Mrs. DeWinter & Maxim DeWinter from Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

The shy girl-bride, the aloof older husband, the dead first wife, the ghostly housekeeper...what's not to love about this romance. Sure, it's not the most realistic of stories, but hey, that's why we read isn't it? This particular couple has an even bigger obstacle to overcome than most, namely the dead Rebecca. Reading their story helps you realize how important true communication is in a relationship. It's similarities to Jane Eyre help to cement it as one of my newest favorites.

"Either you go to America with Mrs. Van Hopper or you come home to Manderley with me."
"Do you mean you want a secretary or something?"
"No, I'm asking you to marry me, you little fool."

Anne Elliot and Capt. Frederick Wentworth from Persuasion by Jane Austen

I think that what is so special about this particular story is that it affirms the existence of second chances. Both Anne and Capt. Wentworth feel that their chance at happiness together is gone at the beginning of the book, but by the end they have discovered that the passing of time has only cemented their love. The beauty of Persuasion is found in it's portrayal of autumn's second bloom.

Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you.

Laura Ingalls & Almonzo Wilder from the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Who doesn't love the story of headstrong Laura finding love in the seat of a buggy pulled by two beautiful horses. I love it when Ma Ingalls accuses Laura of marrying Almonzo for his horses and Laura replies that she can't have one without the other. Or when Laura and Almonzo exchange name cards. Or when Nellie Olsen joins them for a ride and Laura "accidentally" spooks the horses. So many beautiful moments that express the simplicity, the steadfastness, and the spirit of love on the frontier.

"I was wondering if you would like an engagement ring?" "That would depend on who offered it to me," Laura told him. "If I should?" Almonzo asked. "Then it would depend on the ring"

Picture #1: Cari Shayne & Thomas Gibson in The Inheritance

Picture #2: Joan Fontaine & Laurence Olivier in Rebecca

Picture #3: Amanda Root & Ciaran Hinds in Persuasion

Picture #4: Melissa Gilbert & Dean Butler in Little House on the Prairie