Forbidden Love

Forbidden Love is a topic of Romance fiction.

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In classic literature, we find more examples of forbidden love than in contemporary publications. The structures of society were more rigid, and social classes rarely mixed. Morality and respect for convention were expected, as was conformity. It may still be the case in some circumstances nowadays, but people have more freedom to choose a way of life that appeals to them. Forbidden love stories show how desire and love may become a rebellion against family wishes and traditions, laws, racial segregation, social classes’ rigidity, established morality and religious dogmas. Rules are broken; the thrills of desire and love lead to guilt, and decisions must be made: pursue the relationship or conform. The cross-star lovers must often endure the consequences of this rebellion or the consequences of a new obedience to the rules. In the end, what do they really deal with? Are they love stories, or are they social critiques disguised in romantic clothes?

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• The Awakening by Kate Chopin
• Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
• Maurice by E.M. Forster
• The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough