Before fully discussing the topic of
feminism and romance in Young Adult literature, I think it is important to
establish some definitions. When discussing feminism, there can be many
interpretations and ideals about what exactly is feminism; therefore, the three
different waves of feminism will be referenced separately and as their own
categories. However, when feminism is stated as an overall subject, it simply
means, in the context of this article, that it is gender equality between men
and women.
The first wave of feminism,
according to The Magazine of Pacific
University was to, “…open up opportunities for women, with a focus on
suffrage.” The second wave focused more on sexuality and reproductive rights.
This wave is arguably the most radical as well. The third wave of feminism,
while not completely defined just yet, focuses on the idea of the appearance of
feminist-like qualities (i.e. dressing very girly and in dresses and bows).
However, these feminists, while dressing girly and very feminine also show the
world that they have a brain and are highly intelligent women.
Young Adult literature itself is
also not easily defined. Some may see it as the time period in a person’s life
when they are an adolescent or teen. However, as shown on numerous blogs and
articles, there are 20-somethings and beyond that also enjoy reading Young
Adult literature. The focus of YA is mostly on teenagers though. In fact,
according to the article “How I Picked 10 Best Feminist Teen Books of All
Time,” by Jessica Stites, she says that, “Many YA authors didn’t think they
were writing YA until their publishers told them they were…”
As a teenager who has read books and
novels in the YA genre for a long period of time, I have seen the rise and
growth of strong and independent female characters. These heroines show that
not every girl needs a man in her life, but if there is one that’s okay too.
For example, in the popular series The
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, I was drawn to Katniss’ ability to fight
for her life and those around her without having a man drag her down. There are
times throughout the series where she indulges in the simple pleasures of
romance, but often she is confused and angered when anyone shows affection
towards her, and she ends up pushing them away.
On the other hand, there are the YA
series and novels that make the feminist inside almost every woman cringe.
Bella, from the Twilight saga by
Stephenie Meyer, is the epitome of a Mary Sue. In literature a Mary Sue is
defined as a one-dimensional, boring, character that is reliant on others to
function. According to the website YALSA
(Young Adult Library Services Association) in the article by Chelsea Condren
titled “That’s Not Very Feminist of You, Bella: Feminism and YA Romance Novels,
“[Bella] gives up her life for a boyfriend and gets married as a teenager and
there is lots of creepy patriarchal imagery surrounding the female body.” While
the article agrees that Bella is a huge set-back for feminism, it also explores
the idea of how much men hate the Twilight
saga. This is important because, “…anything written by women that makes men
uncomfortable has a place in feminism.” (Condren)
I agree that it has a certain place
in feminism, but Twilight is not
feminist by any means. Although, the huge success of Twilight spurred the
creation of a plethora of other paranormal romance novels written by incredible
women. Not only paranormal romance, but action, adventure, thriller, and many
other genres of YA literature with strong female characters. For example, in
the Divergent series has a huge fan
base and that trilogy also has an amazing heroine.
Sadly though, with the spur of so
many new YA novels and series I have often seen in my personal experience, that
the content of these novels are not as good as a book that was well-thought out
and planned through such as the Harry
Potter series by J. K. Rowling (which also exhibits strong female
characters!). In the article, “Judging a Book by Its Cover: Publishing Trends
in Young Adult Literature,” the author Cat Yampbell states, “Literary merit
becomes irrelevant if the book does not, or cannot, reach the reader.” In a
world where time is money, it is essential for publishers, cover designers, and
typographers to design books that are visually appealing to a reader. In this
sense, the content of a book is lost altogether.
Compared to adult books, though, I
think because of this aspect, readers are more drawn to YA novels. The covers
are fun, synopses are cute and sweet, and the stories are not, usually, dark
and depressing. In both genres there are the token novels with the steamy
covers and women throwing themselves at men, but typically YA has a good
balance of feminism and romance under its belt. Some of my favorite YA books
have a heavy romance component, but the stories most often involve girls who
can think for themselves and, while sometimes making mistakes with men, make
their own decisions and decide for themselves who they want to be.
I have not read a large amount of
adult novels, however, there are a few in particular that stand out to me as
having romance components with strong heroines. I read Gone with the Wind in eighth grade and ever since, Scarlett O’Hara
has been one of my all-time favorite characters. She often reminds me of Cat
from the Nora Roberts MacGregor Grooms
vignette. Both characters are spunky and resist the men who throw themselves at
their feet. I like the idea in adult literature that there can be men who,
while financially stable, handsome, and can help a woman out of her dire
situations, can still be refused. Yes, in both cases, the women eventually cave
and proclaim their love for the handsome Rhett Butler and Duncan MacGregor,
respectively, but they still remain powerful.
I have seen throughout the class
that many girls take a liking to more strong and independent characters because
they can relate to them more, since that is what our class is made up of.
Throughout our discussions I have seen many girls change opinions and stances
on feminism and romance based on the Nora Roberts book we’ve read and few
movies we’ve seen. The fact that an analysis of a single adult romance book
could change so many young women’s opinions is both troubling and enlightening.
It is troubling because it shows that even at such a young age, girls (and
boys) can be influenced by so many different types of media. However, I think
the sheer fact that a book or movie could change someone’s opinion so strongly
is fascinating. It shows that one piece of media can change a previous ideal
and spark an inspiration inside someone.
For example, when we watched the
movie “When Harry Met Sally”, many girls pondered over the question if men and
women could be just friends. This idea often also comes up in YA literature.
Often there are love triangles in which the main heroine shows her ability to
make her own decisions by choosing one man, or refusing both to stay single and
happy the way she is now. In my personal belief, men and women can be just
friends because most of my friends are men. There is so many benefits like less
drama, better companionship, and often having the male perspective on a
situation can be life saving and intuitive.
No matter a feminists age, he or she
can still enjoy the simple pleasures that Young Adult literature has to offer; simplicity,
women finding themselves in a world ruled by men, and sometimes even a bit of
romance. As a young woman myself, I can easily relate to the girls in YA novels
who struggle with the internal struggle over whether to give in to her romantic
desires and be “swept off her feet,” or to stand tall and open doors on her own
or pull out her own chair.
I think above all women can have a
balance between feminism and romance and also have some of both in their
relationships. Women can still take care of themselves whilst having a man to
support her and encourage her as well. In YA literature there will always be
those few characters who set feminism back a few years and cause our internal
girl power gene to squirm, but more and more recently, strong feminist
characters are coming into light in the publishing industry and this shows that
in pop culture many girls are able to stand up more frequently about their
feminist ideals without having male backlash. Besides, one book can change the
world, so imagine what a whole slew of books can do for feminism and romance in
our modern world.
Works
Cited
Condron, Chelsea. "That's Not Very
Feminist of You, Bella: Feminism and YA Romance Novels." YALSA: The Hub.
N.p., 22 July 2013. Web. 7 Nov. 2013.
.
Rampton, Martha. "The Three Waves of
Feminism." The Magazine of Pacific University. N.p., n.d. Web. 7
Nov. 2013.
.
Roberts, Nora. The MacGregor grooms.
S.l.: Penguin Group US, 2012. Print.
Stites, Jessica. "How I Picked 10
Best Feminist Teen Books of All Time." Ms Magazine Blog. N.p., 22
Oct. 2010. Web. 7 Nov. 2013.
.
Yampbell, Cat. "Judging A Book By
Its Cover: Publishing Trends In Young Adult Literature." The Lion and
The Unicorn 29.3 (2005): 348-372. Print.
