Monday, February 11, 2013

VALENTINE'S WEEK CELEBRATION - MY FICTIONAL CRUSHES (CLASSIC LITERATURE)


This week on Books by Banister I'll be celebrating that most romantic of holidays, Valentine's Day! So, visit me each day for a different hearts-and-flowers-themed post. As books have been a lifelong love of mine, I'm going to kick off this party with a catalog of my Top Five Fictional Crushes of the Classic Lit Variety. And prepare yourself for a shock, my friends, because there is not a Darcy, Rochester, or Heathcliff to be seen on this list. Of course, Austen will still be represented here, but I dare to think outside the box when it comes to her heroes. Read on to see which period dreamboats made the cut, and don't forget to come back tomorrow to find out who made my Fictional Crushes in Contemporary Lit list. 


Theodore "Laurie" Laurence/Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (The Boy-Next-Door) I fell head over heels for sweet, generous, delightful Laurie the first time I read this wonderful book. He was the brother the March sisters never had. He participated in all their games, encouraged their dreams, provided support when they needed it, and was devoted to them, especially Jo whom he clearly cared for as more than just a friend. I will never forgive that silly woman for turning down his marriage proposal! Of course, her loss was Amy's gain. I've seen many versions of Little Women on the big and small screens, but I think Christian Bale was the actor who best captured the essence of the character. Since seeing his portrayal of Laurie in the 1994 film, he will always be Laurie to me.

"I've loved you ever since I've known you, Jo, couldn't help it, you've been so good to me. I've tried to show it, but you wouldn't let me; no I'm going to make you hear, and give me an answer, for I can't go on so any longer."


Rhett Butler/Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (The Anti-Hero) I read this 960-page book when I was just 9 years old after having seen the movie on TV and becoming totally fascinated by the epic romance of sassy Southern belle Scarlett O'Hara and roguish blockade runner Rhett Butler. It was my crush on the snarky, arrogant, but still somehow vulnerable, Rhett that instilled an abiding love for bad boys in me. I think what I really fancied about Rhett was that he owned all of his imperfections. He profited off the war, he hung out in whorehouses, he made indecent proposals to Scarlett, and he did it all with a smirk and wink. He never apologized for his rascally behavior, nor did he regret it. He might have had a few pangs of conscience that caused him to run off and enlist after he witnessed the burning of Atlanta, but his tenure in the Confederate Army ended with him being arrested for stealing gold from his own side. Once a cad, always a cad!

"Oh, yes, you've been faithful to me because Ashley wouldn't have you. But, hell, I wouldn't have grudged him your body. I know how little bodies mean-especially women's bodies. But I do grudge him your heart and your dear, hard, unscrupulous, stubborn mind. He doesn't want your mind, the fool, and I don't want your body. I can buy women cheap. But I do want your mind and your heart, and I'll never have them, any more than you'll ever have Ashley's mind. And that's why I'm sorry for you."


George Emerson/A Room with a View by E.M. Forster (The Romantic Soul) What's not to love about George Emerson? He's kind, gentle, chivalrous, and not afraid to be open about how he feels, which was quite unusual for men of his time (the Edwardian Era.) If Lucy Honeychurch didn't develop a tendre for George after he came to her rescue (catching her in his manly arms when she swooned in a Florentine piazza) and later, planted a passionate kiss on her in a field of violets, then she'd have to be a real cold fish, which she isn't (It's her dull fiancé Cecil who seems to lack a pulse.) Lucy does try to resist George, as he's not of her class, but in the end, love trumps all, as it should. SIGH

P.S. I actually saw the cinematic George (Julian Sands) in a movie theater lobby in downtown Atlanta a few years after A Room with a View was released. I'm happy to report that he looked every bit as divine in person as he did on the big  screen. 

“This desire to govern a woman -- it lies very deep, and men and women must fight it together.... But I do love you surely in a better way then he does." He thought. "Yes -- really in a better way. I want you to have your own thoughts even when I hold you in my arms.” 


Henry Tilney/Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (The Fun-Loving Flirt) Brooding men are all well and good (see the aforementioned Darcy, Rochester, and Heathcliff), but I think a girl would have a better chance at a happy ever after with a guy like good-natured Henry. No, he doesn't have money (Second sons really got screwed back in the day, didn't they?) and he's got a family that would give one pause (His father is a rigid jerk who only cares about cold, hard cash, and his older brother is a bounder.), but what Henry does have is charm, a sense of humor, and a wonderfully positive attitude. He seems to really enjoy life and people and he's just a pleasure to be around. I love how he playfully teases Catherine throughout the book. And in the end, he proves to have real character, too, as he chooses to be with Catherine, although that means being disowned by his father. 

“Now I must give one smirk, and then we may be rational again." Catherine turned away her head, not knowing whether she might venture to laugh. "I see what you think of me," said he gravely -- "I shall make but a poor figure in your journal tomorrow."

"My journal!"

"Yes, I know exactly what you will say: Friday, went to the Lower Rooms; wore my sprigged muslin robe with blue trimmings -- plain black shoes -- appeared to much advantage; but was strangely harassed by a queer, half-witted man, who would make me dance with him, and distressed me by his nonsense."

"Indeed I shall say no such thing."

"Shall I tell you what you ought to say?"

"If you please."

"I danced with a very agreeable young man, introduced by Mr. King; had a great deal of conversation with him -- seems a most extraordinary genius -- hope I may know more of him. That, madam, is what I wish you to say."

  

The Earl of Rule/The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer (The Jaded Aristocrat) - I've read 20+ Georgette Heyer novels and I've adored many of her heroes, but Rule is the one I always think of with a delicious shiver. He's in his 30s and has been around the block more than once when he's proposed to by Horatia, a 17 year-old girl from an impoverished, but well-respected, family. She amuses him, so he agrees and thus, their unusual union begins. Horry lets being titled and wealthy go straight to her head and proceeds to get into all sorts of scrapes, the worst of them being a flirtation with an old enemy of Rule's, Lord Lethbridge. I challenge any female to read the scene where a jealous Rule takes Lethbridge's place at a masked soirée so that he can play a tension-fraught game of cards with his clueless wife all for a lock of her hair and not feel like they need to call for their smelling salts! It's hot stuff as is Rule's eventual dual with the dastardly Lethbridge. One of my favorite actors, Richard Armitage, is the narrator of the audiobook version of The Convenient Marriage, and he is the perfect embodiment of Rule both in looks and voice.

Across the wide stretch of hall the Earl's eyes met and beheld hers. "Horry," he said pleasantly, "you know how much I dislike exertion. Don't put me to the trouble of fetching you."

The chin came down a little, and the smouldering eyes showed a certain speculative interest. "C-carry me, do you m-mean? I wonder if you would?"

The gravity of Rule's expression was dispelled by a slight look of amusement. "And I wonder whether you really think that I would not?" 



And there you have it, my Top Five Classic Lit Crushes. I hope you'll tell me who yours are in the comments section below. I will be happy to join you in drooling over any male in a frock coat! Please visit Books by Banister again tomorrow when I'll reveal my list of Top Five Hotties in  Contemporary Lit.
 

34 comments:

  1. Ooooh out of the ones on your list, I'm with you on Rhett! (Ashley is just a wet blanket, IMHO). As for others... I'd have to have a serious think about that, and 'my' classic literature would mostly be German. Hm. GREAT post though, happy Valentine's week! X

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    1. Don't even get me started on drippy Ashley, Nicky! Would love to hear about some of your fave heroes in classic German lit. Happy Valentine's Week to you, as well. Hope you and your hubs have something wonderful planned.

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  2. Oh Tracie, Laurie was my first love in Literature! I'm still smarting over the way that it ended. I also have a thing for Edmund from Mansfield Park!

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    1. Aw, Nikki, Laurie was my first love in books, too! I'm happy to share him with you. I have a soft spot for Edmund in Mansfield Park, as well. In fact, you will see him pop up on another one of my lists tomorrow.

      Thanks for stopping by! Happy Valentine's Week!

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  3. Love the classics, of course every girl loves Mr. Darcy, but I am partial to Captain Wentworth in Persuasion. Something about the unrequited love for so long... Have a happy Valentine's week!

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    1. You will get no arguments from me on Captain Wentworth, Elizabeth! He is the ultimate in romantic heroes. That letter . . . {{{THUD}}}

      Thanks for your comment! Have a lovely Valentine's Week!

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  4. Tracie! How could you leave out our beloved Kenneth Branagh - I mean, Benedick - in Much Ado? Part bad boy, part heartthrob, pure perfection!

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    1. Of course, I adore Benedick, ST! But this list was for book boyfriends and Much Ado was a play, so I get off on a technicality. ;) And now you've made me want to watch my Much Ado DVD!

      Hope your Valentine's is amazing! Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. I have to agree with Elizabeth. It's Captain Wentworth for me! *sighhhhhh* To hold on to the hurt so long and then to let it go in such a magnificant manner!

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    1. Captain Wentworth is very popular. I think he may be giving Darcy a run for his money!

      Thanks so much for visiting BBB, Caitie! Have a wonderful Valentine's Week!

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  6. Oh, Rhett Butler. The classic bad boy for sure! FANTASTIC post!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Samantha! It really just doesn't get any better that Rhett Butler, does it? He's in a class all his own.

      Thanks for commenting. Hope you and your hubby have a great Valentine's celebration this week!

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  7. I love all the hunky hunks you chose, Tracie. I loved George Emerson too. He can show me a view anytime. Rhett Butler is the boy I want to drink scotch with. If I drank scotch that is. XOXO

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    1. LOL Jen, you're so naughty. George Emerson is definitely the man you'd want to tour a romantic city with while Rhett's the guy you'd play strip poker with. ;)

      Thanks for dropping by! Wishing you and LMT a lovely Valentine's Week!

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  8. Love this list! :)
    I fell in love with Laurie too and I can't see Christian Bale without thinking of him. Tracie! I can never thank you enough for introdcuing me to the gorgeousness that is Richard Armitage! :) I'm sure his voice is as beautiful as his face!
    Can't wait for tomorrow's post!

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    1. Yeah, forget Batman or whatever that movie was Christian won the Oscar for, he is and will always be Laurie to me!

      And you are very welcome for the introduction to Mr. Armitage. You know I like to share the hotness. :) Have you watched North and South yet? If not, you will be seeing a nice clip from the series on another list of mine here tomorrow, so stay tuned . . .

      Thanks for commenting, Cat. Wishing you and Abbie a very Happy Valentine's Week!

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  9. Oh Laurie! One of my first heroes (sigh). I would have to add in the Scarlet Pimpernel myself. Adventure, danger, unrequited love....

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    1. Oh, the Scarlet Pimpernel, that's a good one, Jen! I love that character! Have you read The Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig? There are a lot of Pimpernel-like heroes in those books since most of them are English spies.

      Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great Valentine's Week!

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  10. Oh, yes, I love Rhett too. Such a lovable scoundrel! Every time I watched that as a kid I hoped that THIS TIME it will turn out differently!

    I have to add Rochester since you left him out in the cold. Yes, he's a brooder, and that's not a lot of fun, but he had good reason to brood! And the fact that he was willing to dress up like an old woman fortune teller reveals that he's got a lighter side!

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    1. Hooray, another Rhett lover! And don't worry, Jackie, I always believed that Scarlett and Rhett got back together in the end. No way could he stay away from her forever. He was hooked.

      And kudos to you for speaking up for Rochester. I do love the character, but he's a bit of a brute in the book. Now if we're talking Michael Fassbender's version of the character, that's a different story. ;)

      Thanks for the comment. Happy Valentine's Week to you and your hubs!

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  11. Love this post!! Your description of what makes Rhett so magnetic is dead on, and I love that you included George Emerson here. SUCH a fascinating character. I heart EM Forster.

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    1. Mmmmm, "magnetic." Yes, that's a good word to describe Rhett. It really is hard to articulate why some characters capture our imagination, but I'm glad you think I did our dear Rhett justice!

      How lovely to discover that you are a fan of George Emerson and E.M. Forster! Another book boyfriend for us to share.

      Thanks for stopping by, Libby! Happy Valentine's Week!

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  12. Great post! George Emerson from Room with a View was my first fictional crush before I met Mr. Darcy. Everyone else was blown out of the water.

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    1. I'm so happy to see all of this George Emerson love! Darcy is definitely the classic romantic hero that holds a special place in all women's hearts. SIGH

      So glad you could drop by, Elke! Happy Valentine's Week to you and yours!

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  13. What a great post! Time to break out the classics again for me. Starting most likely with GWTW...you and I both share that crush on Rhett!

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    1. Oh, Francine, how did I know that you would be a fellow Rhett lover? He really is the gold standard in fiction as far as I'm concerned. Margaret Mitchell broke the mold with him. And yes, I think that a viewing of GWTW is definitely in order!

      Thanks for the comment. Hope you and your hubs have a very special Valentine's!

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  14. OMG. Laurie was MY first crush, literary or otherwise. Loved Christian Bale ever since 1994, and "Little Women" is the book/movie that made me ant to be a writer.

    I also adore Gilbert Blythe of "Anne of Green Gables." He's just a good, fun-loving guy who wants to make Anne laugh. Want to find me a man who wants to be my best friend. Seriously.

    And I love most Jane Austen men (Tilney's a hottie), but Mr. Darcy, Mr. Knightley and Colonel Brandon have this integrity about them that I find really sexy. They're honest, good men who want honest good women. A guy like that is hard to find these days.

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    1. Oh, Beks, I seriously debated including Gilbert Blythe on my list because I adore that character! He was sort of Laurie-ish since he was such a sweet, fun, caring guy.

      I think a case could be made for all of Austen's heroes. I love each of them for different reasons! I even like one of her cads (Willoughby!)

      Thanks so much for visiting BBB and leaving a comment, Beks. Hope you have a Happy Valentine's Week!

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  15. I hang my head in shame and admit that I haven't actually read any of these! I own two or three - must get off butt and read. Your post has inspired me to shake off the procrastinating! Look forward to the others, Sooz

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    1. Oh, Sooz, for shame! All of the books mentioned above are classics that MUST be read. You need to set aside your contemporary fic for a while and immerse yourself in one of these great pieces of literature. You won't be sorry! In fact, I'm a bit jealous that you'll get to experience all of these wonderful stories with fresh eyes.

      Thanks for dropping in. Hope you and Tony and the baby have a great Valentine's! :)

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  16. ouch not a fans of classic book hemmm.. maybe darcy from P&P - jane austen

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    1. You can never go wrong with Darcy, Eli!

      Thanks for stopping by and Happy Valentine's Week!

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  17. Squee!!!!! I love this list. Are they ranked in that order? if so, I must say I'm surprised that Rhett didn't top the list for you! :-)

    I'm happy Henry Tilney got a nod because I think he is one of the most short-changed Austen heroes...but for me you know it has to be Frederick Wentworth! *swoon*

    I had a huge smile on my face @ seeing The Earl of Rule on the list! I totally get that! although as you know, The Duke of Salford has cornered my heart when it comes to Heyeroes! :-)

    I'm sadden that John Thornton didn't make an appearance! oh well, there was only room for 5 so that's forgiven! ;-)

    great great post! Love it. :-)

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    1. Line! So glad you could stop by and check out my list. And no, I didn't rank the gents as it would have been too difficult. I honestly don't know who I would have put in that top spot if I had (Who am I kidding? Of course, it would have been Rhett! :)

      You are not alone in your Wentworth love as you can see by the comments here. And, of course, I had to include Rule. You know how much I adored that character and I fell for him all over again when I was reading excerpts from TCM as "research" for this post.

      And don't worry about Thornton, he showed up on my Best Kisses List today!

      Happy Valentine's Week, Line!

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