I had a Phd student approached me for an interview for her Phd research focusing on controversy of Dark Romance. I though, we can explore that here.
Transgressive fiction, as discussed in my other articles known for pushing societal boundaries and exploring taboo themes, can sometimes be intimidating due to its intense content. Dark romance and transgressive fiction, both notable for their exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and societal taboos, often provoke strong reactions and face significant backlash for several reasons. To understand this, it's essential to examine their themes, the societal context in which they exist, and the typical responses they elicit.
What is Dark Romanticism?
Dark romanticism is a subgenre of romantic literature that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries (To learn more about the history check this article). It focuses on the grotesque, melancholy, and morbid elements of the human psyche and the natural world. Authors like Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Mary Shelley are prominent figures in this genre. Their works often explore themes such as human fallibility, sin, and the darker psychological forces.
What is Dark Romance?
Dark Romance, on the other hand, is a contemporary genre that combines elements of romance with darker themes and settings. This genre often includes complex and morally ambiguous characters, and the plots can involve intense and sometimes troubling relationships that may include themes of captivity, coercion, or power imbalances.
While both genres explore darker themes, Dark Romanticism is rooted in a historical and philosophical movement that delves into the human condition and its inherent flaws, whereas Dark Romance is a more modern, genre-specific exploration of complex and often controversial romantic relationships.
What is Transgressive Fiction?
Transgressive fiction is a genre of literature that focuses on characters who feel confined by the norms of society and who break the social and legal boundaries in search of personal freedom or transformation. It became popular prominently in the late 20th century with authors like Chuck Palahniuk, Bret Easton Ellis, and Irvine Welsh. The content often involves taboo subjects such as drugs, sexual deviancy, violence, and other anti-social behavior.
Dark Romance, Dark Romanticism, and Transgressive Fiction are distinct literary genres (See table below) that explore darker themes but differ in style, scope, and subject matter.
Feature/Genre | Dark Romance | Dark Romanticism | Transgressive Fiction |
Definition | A genre blending romance with darker, often taboo themes. | A subgenre of Romanticism focusing on the darker, often tragic aspects of human nature. | A genre that focuses on characters and narratives that break societal norms and explore taboo subjects. |
Key Themes | Taboo relationships, moral ambiguity, power dynamics, intense emotions, and sometimes violence. | Human fallibility, sin, evil, guilt, melancholy, and the grotesque. | Rebellion, alienation, addiction, violence, and a disdain for societal norms. |
Characteristics | Features complex, morally ambiguous relationships, often involving dominance or danger. | Emphasizes the tragic or grotesque aspects of the human condition and the natural world. | Often includes characters and plots that challenge conventional moral and societal boundaries. |
Narrative Style | Emotionally intense, focusing on complex interpersonal dynamics. | Often symbolic and philosophical, reflecting on deep existential questions. | Raw, unapologetic, and often graphic in its portrayal of taboo subjects. |
Typical Settings | Can vary widely but usually places that heighten the dramatic tension of the romance. | Gothic or bleak settings that enhance the mood of despair or decay. | Settings that emphasize the underbelly of society or locations of social transgression. |
Famous Examples | Books like "Captive in the Dark" by CJ Roberts. | Works like "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne and "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville. | "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk and "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis. |
5 Reasons for Dark Romance and Transgressive Fiction Backlash
1. Cultural and Moral Norms
Both dark romanticism and transgressive fiction challenge the prevailing cultural and moral norms. By exploring themes that society often prefers to suppress or ignore—such as mental illness, existential angst, and deviant behavior—these genres force readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and social structures. This can lead to backlash from those who see such explorations as harmful or degrading.
2. Psychological Impact
The intense focus on the darker aspects of life and human nature can be distressing to readers. Works in these genres often do not provide the comfort of happy endings or moral resolutions; instead, they may leave audiences with a sense of unease or pessimism about human capabilities and societal directions. This unsettling effect can translate into negative reactions as people resist narratives that disrupt their worldview.
3. Misinterpretation and Misrepresentation
Transgressive and dark romantic works are sometimes misinterpreted by critics and the public alike as endorsing the very behaviors they depict. This misreading can lead to accusations that these books promote immorality or deviant behavior, rather than simply exploring these themes as a means to critique or examine society.
4. Political and Social Sensitivities
These genres often emerge or gain popularity during times of social and political upheaval, reflecting and critiquing the tensions of the time. As such, they can become flashpoints in cultural or political debates, attracting backlash from groups who view them as either destabilizing forces or as too radical in their critique of the status quo.
5. Commercial and Critical Gatekeeping
Both genres often struggle against commercial and critical gatekeeping. Mainstream publishers may shy away from controversial topics for fear of backlash or poor sales, limiting the distribution and accessibility of such works. Critical reception can also be polarized, with some praising the courage and authenticity of these narratives, while others dismiss them as gimmicky or unnecessarily provocative.
The backlash against dark and transgressive fiction highlights a broader tension between artistic expression and societal values. While these genres provide valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and social norms, they also challenge readers to reconsider their views and tolerance for the darker sides of humanity. As society evolves, the dialogue between these challenging works and their audiences continues, reflecting ongoing debates about morality, freedom, and the purpose of literature.