There has always been a unique fascination for specific literary eras. Historical fiction is a special case. It draws them into a world where history blends with fantasy. Of course, the romanticization of literature like this is nothing new.
Something is captivating about the past, particularly when captured in the pages of a cherished book.
The Power of Nostalgia in Books
Perhaps it’s the candlelit ballrooms in Austen’s works or the sparkling parties and secretive conversations of Regency London. For many, the tales we adore are rich with a nostalgic glow and romantic fantasy.
We romanticize these eras not only for what they were but for what they weren’t: noisy, unpredictable, and overwhelmed by the digital age. At the heart of this article lies the question: What draws us to romanticized versions of past eras we’ve never experienced, even those marked deeply with inequality?
The Appeal of Escapism
Reading a book has the power to transport you into a world of flickering candles, delicate corsets, and cocktails. These stories pull us into times where life seemed to move at a different pace and where love seemed so easy to find. Offering a gentle contrast to our fast-paced digital reality.
The appeal lies in the way these narratives create a space for reflection, where emotions feel larger, slower, and more intense. In a world dominated by having your phone by your side 24/7 and a never-ending to-do list. Stepping into these imagined eras provides a welcome escape for most readers.
This fantasy is not just about love and costumes. It’s about the way these periods allow us to savour moments and indulge in the pleasure of a world far removed from our own. The romanticization of literature such as that is a world of escapism.
The Allure of Specific Eras
Escaping into the past can be appealing. But not every historical era gets romanticized the same way. From the refined charm of Regency England to the decadence of the Roaring Twenties and the glossy promise of mid-century life. Each period offers a different kind of fantasy, shaped as much by aesthetics as by emotion.
The Regency Era
The Regency era, spanning from 1811 to 1820, marked a time of vibrant social and cultural development. It stood out for its elegance, strict etiquette, and romantic atmosphere, reflected in the fashion, architecture, and art of the period.
It is one of the more popular eras to suffer from romanticization, from TV series to literature.
Society during this period was defined by lavish balls, duels, and the ‘Ton’. The fashionable elite thrived on gossip and matchmaking.
Today, the hit book and TV series Bridgerton reimagines this world for modern audiences. Drawing on the era’s charm and drama to create something fresh and compelling.
The Roaring Twenties
The Roaring Twenties ushered in a wave of economic prosperity, cultural transformation, and exuberant optimism. Especially across the United States and other Western nations.
This decade saw a surge in economic growth, fuelled by technological advancements and a rise in consumerism. It also witnessed a shift in social norms. Including the rise of flappers, jazz music, and a more relaxed attitude toward traditional values.
The 1920s marked significant progress in women’s rights. Women officially gained the right to vote and took on more public and professional roles.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby captures the vibrancy and turbulence of this era, bringing it vividly to life. A novel that captures both the dazzling allure of the Jazz Age and the hollow pursuit of the American Dream.
The Mid-Century
The mid-century period, spanning approximately 1945-1970. Emerging in the aftermath of World War II, it marked a time of renewal and rebuilding.
This era often celebrates its polished domestic ideals, timeless fashion, and sense of glamour. However, it was shaped by post-war optimism, the rise of consumer culture, and strict gender roles beneath the surface.
Appearance mattered. Especially for women, who were expected to embody either the perfect housewife or the dazzling Hollywood star.
Mid-Century America, with its shiny suburban dream and cinematic allure. Comes to life in novels like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Which dives into romance, identity, image, and the personal cost of ambition.
The Reality vs The Fiction
Literature often invites us to imagine the past through a carefully curated version of history designed to entertain and captivate us. One that emphasises love stories, grand adventures, and personal victories.
In these narratives, the struggles of the time, be it class oppression, slavery, or inequality. Often fade into the background, replaced by sweeping romances. While it may be easier for some young adults to learn about history through entertainment outlets, whether that be a book or a film. It should be standard that we don’t dismiss the topics that were prevalent in that era.
Pride and Prejudice and Bridgerton offer us tales of romance and social climbing. Yet they barely acknowledge the very real limitations placed on women, the poor, and characters from marginalised racial or ethnic backgrounds.
While these stories can be captivating, they rarely explore the harsher realities of that time. Some authors have made conscious decisions to tackle these historical inequalities head-on. Providing a contrast to the romanticised portrayals.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker and Outlander by Diana Gabaldon are just two examples of these novels. These books incorporate romance as a central element. They also engage with the historical struggles of their time.
Why We Keep Romanticizing the Past
We often view the past through a nostalgic lens. Turning it into something that feels more appealing than it really was. Nostalgia has a powerful emotional appeal. It created a yearning for a simpler, more innocent time. Even if that time wasn’t as ideal as it seemed.
It can often create a comforting sense of connection to the past. It can be particularly strong in times of personal or societal stress. Why, then, do we keep returning to it? Is it the appeal of a grand ballroom, the chance to dance with Prince Charming, a large extravagant dinner party, or the allure of simpler times that draws us in?
Nostalgia, combined with the narratives of the media, shapes the way we see history. Encouraging us to idealise eras we’ve never lived through. Books like Bridgerton and The Great Gatsby fuel our idealization of the past by presenting worlds of romance, friendships, and dramatic journeys.
Bridgerton’s Regency-era ballrooms, with their flirtatious and high-society drama, create a fantasy of elegance and secrets. The Great Gatsby immerses readers in the glittering excess of the Jazz Age. Offering a glimpse into a world of parties, wealth, and uncertain love. The romanticization of this literature offers wonderful and exhilarating emotions.
These stories, though set in historical periods. Often omit the complexities of the times, but is this what the reader wants? Although one can argue that we should be showing more societal issues that occurred during those times. Maybe the reader just wants a romance story that fulfills something that may be missing from their life.
Escaping into the Past or Erasing it?
As we indulge in these romanticised portrayals of history, we must ask: Are we escaping into the past for comfort, or are we erasing its darker realities? We’ve seen how nostalgia and the aesthetic allure of the past can create a seductive fantasy that draws us in. Whether through the worlds of Bridgerton or the dazzling excesses of The Great Gatsby.
Maybe they just want to escape the implications of today’s society. And wouldn’t want to read a book that sets out the harsh truths. These romances focus on the allure of romance. And leave us yearning for an era that feels more glamorous than it ever truly was.
Perhaps we can revel in the beauty of these stories without losing sight of the complexity of history. The romanticization of literature can be fun, though it is important to understand the reality of it. Fiction is meant to transport us. But shouldn’t it also push us to question the past, not just idealise it?
