How to Write an Essay on Love (in American Culture)

Love pic

Is love a national issue in America? The answer to that question could be an interesting essay topic. As a matter of fact, the classic novels in American literature have discussed the subject of love to varying degrees, even distort it in some ways. (The May-December affair in Gillian Armstrong's "Little Women" would come to mind, a stereotype that Hollywood producers have been glorifying since the studio days.) You aren't knowledgeable about American literature, though. You don't have to be ashamed about it, as you're likely to be a part of the majority (of college students) who have devoted their free time on English literature. Besides, this subject matter doesn't require an extensive knowledge of renowned American authors and their works.

You can approach this topic in many ways, and you might not need to use a personal experience as your reference. The Bard would find inspiration (by imagining it). You might have seen "Shakespeare in Love" (and question the accuracy of events), but you can see the parallels.

Recommended Essay Topics

Must love come in one neat package? This topic requires you to watch romantic comedies. You would be surprised that the Hollywood concept of love didn't change after all these decades. Must everybody be in a relationship? The screenwriters from the studio era didn't have difficulties in coming up with believable stories, as Frank Sinatra would be reluctant about the tender trap. And someone like James Stewart prefers to express his feelings on letters. Technology may have made the dating game more complicated, but the question remains simple. If you're unable to comprehend it, then let's rephrase the topic. Is it un-American not to fall in love? You may have to quote a line from a Graham Greene book.

Is love a psychopathic condition? This is supposed to be subjective in nature, but you would be mistaken to think of emotions. What could be the cause of this so-called psychopathic condition? Isolation should be a good guess, but Edgar Allan Poe won't find a space here. You might be thinking of Patricia Highsmith's amoral characters, who are bored with their privileged lifestyle. You could have second thoughts about it, as the creator of Tom Ripley had a misanthropic view of the world. It should be far from being a romantic individual, but you don't have to think of extreme.

Women in love. Jane Austen's novels would highlight the plight of English women during the Victorian era, of why matrimony could be the only course to become worthy citizens of the society. The social system, which was largely unspoken, would be observed strictly. Those days seem long gone, but anyone who would notice the manicured lawns might have a suspicion. Could it be the same here? Reading the books of Louisa May Alcott may give you a feeling that it would be the same (over the other side of the Atlantic). Henry James, who spent most of this adult life in Europe, could have the same sentiments. Edith Wharton won't differ from them. In other words, a woman's feeling would manifest over time, become powerful to the point that popular culture would make it part of our subconsciousness. Or is it?

Love and freedom. This topic might stump you for days, as two words seem unrelated at all. Read again. Our American forefathers have idealized democracy, and it wouldn't be different with love. This mindset differentiates the US from France. As far as Great Britain is concerned, you may not notice the glaring differences. You're unacquainted with the British sense of humor, though. You didn't think long and hard about the polite approach to dating (or whatever you see it). The next item would clarify such matter.

How a foreign media perceives love. Why do the French romantic dramas have sad endings? This should be the impression of those who have seen lots of French films (like "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg"). If you have viewed it (for the first time), then you may wonder if the Gallic people (or Europeans) use their head when they become serious about an affair. A thorough research (and more viewings) could lead to another interesting topic: Why can't Hollywood producers think of something else? Someone would remark that they don't know what the audience wants, so the trend. It won't be the case with World Cinema (especially movies by European co-productions), yet you couldn't think of anything other than finding a connection. It might be a huge waste of time, as there's a great divide.

Think About It

If you're adamant about citing a literary work, then make sure that you would include the author's experience. It won't be wise to generalize such things, as there are other themes that are related (or not to related) to the subject of love. You're the only one who can find out if this would be easier (or not). You might need inspiration on this one.

 

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