Ryan Carter
Ryan Carter
Love and Liberation
When people think of romance novels, they often picture the classic tropes—the damsel in distress, a dashing hero, Bridgerton, and, of course, the infamous “spice.” But romance novels are much more than that; they serve as time capsules, reflecting the evolution of feminism, romance, and women’s roles in society at the time they were written. In my thesis, I aim to analyze popular romance novels and their cover designs, exploring how different feminist movements have shaped both their narratives and aesthetics. Additionally, I will examine the recent rise of dark romance novels and how they may signal a regression in feminist ideals. By the end of this project, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of feminism’s influence on literature and design, revealing how cultural shifts continue to shape the romance genre.
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