Who is more fragile? A study of heroes and heroines in the twentieth century romantic fiction of Mills and Boon

Abstract

From the beginning of the twentieth century the internationally known publishing house Harlequin Mills and Boon has dealt with a large variety of love stories between men and women. Although based on archetypical literary characters, the plots of its novels have changed throughout the century. It is my purpose in this article to prove that Mills and Boon are serious historical documents which reflect shifting social values and denounce the difficulties women face in a mens world. By analysing locations, heroes and heroines, marriage or sexual relationships, Ill try to demonstrate how these narratives have influenced on women of all ages and social classes engulfing readers in a unique female atmosphere.