Oh, Love. You that can lift our spirits and empower us to pursue the noblest of ends—or transform even the most rational humans into gawping fools. Writers adore scribbling upon the subject that is you; millions upon millions of words have been marshaled to laud/pine for/curse you.
Some of our favorite characters from literature are driven by love; others struggle with their feelings in endearing, and very human, ways, and we can't help but empathize with their plight. And who hasn't felt a giddy joy when their favorite characters finally resolve that romantic tension that's been building for a couple hundred pages?
So, Love, today's your day. Here are our 10 favorite pairs of romantic—and not so romantic—literary lovebirds.
Gatsby and Daisy
The Great Gatsby
He’s absolutely obsessed, and she’s utterly bored—a match made in heaven.
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Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy
Pride and Prejudice
You know we have to have at least one couple invented by Jane Austen!
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Janie and Tea Cake
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Though it took years of heartbreak, Janie finally found her one true love in Tea Cake. Too bad all good things come to an end.
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Heathcliff and Catherine
Wuthering Heights
Emily Brontë’s tortured heroes bring us a timeless love story that continues far beyond the grave.
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Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet
The story of these star-crossed lovers may have ended in tragedy, but that doesn’t make their relationship any less romantic.
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Tita and Pedro
Like Water for Chocolate
After years of secrets, these lovers end their fiery romance dramatically, to say the least.
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Jane and Mr. Rochester
Jane Eyre
Not even an attic full of secrets can keep these two apart.
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Sydney and Lucie
A Tale of Two Cities
Okay, his love is completely unrequited, but he gives whole new meaning to the phrase “head over heels.”
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Odysseus and Penelope
The Odyssey
You know it’s true love when you’re willing to wait around for ten years while your husband goes on a wild road trip.
Order The Odyssey