In this hot month of August, we’re taking a plunge into the refreshing pool of romantic comedies. Ah, romcoms! They’re a wonderful blend of humor and romance, filled with heart-fluttering moments and laughter-inducing scenarios. And who can resist the charm of a good romcom? They’re the perfect escape, taking us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and leaving us with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. But have you ever wondered what makes a romcom tick? Well, we’ve been exploring this question, and discovered that it all boils down to one key element: tropes.
In the world of romcoms, these tropes are like a playbook that authors use to create engaging narratives. They are familiar, yet versatile enough to be rendered in unique ways in each story. A well-executed trope can add depth to the characters and plot, making the story more engaging and memorable. We’ve been discussing these tropes throughout the month, sharing our favorite examples, and analyzing how they contribute to the charm and appeal of romantic comedies.
But our discussions haven’t just been about romcoms and their tropes. We’ve also been diving into our personal reading habits and sharing our experiences. For instance, Shirin has been grappling with a case of “reader’s block”. She’s currently juggling three books and finding it hard to finish any of them. This has sparked a fascinating debate about the concept of “DNF” (Did Not Finish) books. Is it okay to abandon a book you’re not enjoying? Or should you push through to the end? It’s a dilemma many readers can relate to.
Circling back to romcom tropes, we’ve also discussed other popular ones like “friends to lovers” and “opposites attract”. We believe that these tropes when woven together skillfully, can create a rich tapestry of romance and comedy that makes a romcom truly successful. It’s about creating a perfect blend of familiarity and surprise that keeps the readers hooked and invested in the story.
We also discuss all of the following romcom tropes in more detail;
- Enemies to Lovers: This is a classic trope that never gets old and a personal favourite of ours. Characters start off disliking each other, often leading to humorous or heated interactions. As the story unfolds, these characters realize their true feelings for each other, leading to a satisfying romantic climax. The tension and anticipation created by this trope make for an engaging narrative. It adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, as the characters navigate their shifting feelings. It can take various forms, from playful rivalries to serious conflicts.
- Friends to Lovers: On this opposite end of the spectrum, characters who have been friends for a long time realize they have deeper feelings for each other. The journey from friendship to love is usually a heartwarming one, filled with shared memories and the fear of jeopardizing their friendship. This trope adds depth to the characters’ relationships, and they have a shared history that enriches their romance.
- Opposites Attract: Exactly what it says, this trope revolves around characters who are polar opposites in personality, background, or lifestyle, yet find themselves falling in love. Their differences often lead to funny and charming situations as they learn to understand and accept each other. The disparity between the characters adds an element of surprise and excitement to the story.
- Fake Relationships: This trope involves characters pretending to be in a relationship for some practical purpose, such as to make an ex jealous, to avoid social pressure, or to achieve a shared outcome. As they keep up their charade, they inevitably fall for each other. It’s appealing because it provides a context for characters to explore their feelings under the guise of pretense, and is often layered with other tropes (enemies to lovers, opposites attract etc.)
- Second Chances: Definitely a swoonworthy trope, it involves characters who have a history together getting a second chance at love. This could be due to past misunderstandings, timing issues, or personal growth that enables them to reconnect. The emotional depth and regret associated with missed opportunities make this one especially compelling.
Through these discussions, we’ve discovered that our love for romcoms and reading, in general, is a deeply personal journey. It’s about finding joy in the simple act of reading, connecting with characters and stories on a profound level, and sometimes even discovering parts of ourselves in the pages of a book. So, here’s to more romantic comedies, more reading, and a summer filled with love, laughter, and insightful discussions! Let’s continue to explore the world of books together, one trope at a time.
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