Facets of the Feminine Psyche: The Romance's Psychological Landscapes, PART 1 - Page 2
© Suzette L. Mako
The internal issues of women's lives that create the tapestry's rarely-glimpsed underside - the warp and weft of emotions, intellect and spiritual forces - are far more complex. They are far less easily identified or dealt with, and frequently defy understanding through largely male-driven psychologies.
The images and ideas that are woven into the stories of the Romance genre are keyed to this uniquely feminine psychology. Utilizing archetypal characters that resonate with facets of the feminine psyche, complex issues are addressed through Romance. Emotional risk and conflict are basic to the Romance genre, as is the integration of male and female in both hero and heroine. Romance clearly confronts the roles of emotions in relationships and in society, providing insight that is intrinsically feminine.
Not only are these internal, psychologically-driven topics addressed, but means of resolution are put forth within the Romance context. The concepts Romance champions shake the very foundations of patriarchal standards for self-examination. Also challenged is the status quo of culturally-defined roles for both women and men.
The Romance is a mythic tale of the quest, but wholly female in its approach to and conveyance of this ancient story-type. The archetype of the Neophyte or Maiden heroine of Romance is a role that every woman carries within her psychological makeup. She is the child on the verge of womanhood, the learner and seeker. It is she who will change and grow as a result of her quest.
Through the Maiden quester, the Romance reader can identify her own need to grow, change and explore her worlds, both internal and external. This role enables her to tap into or recapture a sense of innocence and trust, and couple it with a sense of newfound adventure. This basic image is augmented with shadings of other archetypal female roles, to round out the Romance's heroine into a character with whom readers can identify.
The Amazon, or Warrior Woman, is bold, courageous, honorable - in short, every bit as heroic as any masculine character. She is the feisty heroine who stands up to her fractious hero, giving as good as she gets. Through her, Romance gives the reader permission to respond to urges of anger or ferocity generally frowned upon "in polite society." Vicariously, the reader can appropriate the Amazon's strengths and meld them with her own psyche, strengthening her inner self.
Facets of the Mother archetype are present when the Romance heroine nurtures the relationship she is developing with the hero, whether on an internal level or through physically nurturing acts. True, identification with this role-model may reinforce culturally-defined sex-roles. More often, however, the Mother role tends to be one of power and control, sometimes blending with a Matriarchal flavor. This allows the Romance reader the opportunity to experience the gentle strength of mothering in a positive, non-subservient mode.
