Why are we obsessed with the “enemies-to-lovers” trope?
Nobody expected the fame of Bridgerton when it first came out to Netflix. Many say that the romantic tropes depicted in the story kept them hooked on it. However, it explains a lot about why we’re obsessed with the enemies-to-lovers trope.
Why are we obsessed with the “enemies-to-lovers” trope
The enemies turned lovers pairing
From Pride and Prejudice to the Sound of Music to 10 things I hate about you and finally Bridgerton, enemies or rivals turned lovers had us riding a rollercoaster of emotions. All these things have one thing in common and it’s the main couple being an “enemies to lovers” trope.
“Bridgerton” recently rose to fame as a popular historical romance drama series that premiered on Netflix in December 2020. Based on the book series by Julia Quinn with the same name. Set in the Regency era in London and follows the lives and romantic endeavors of the powerful Bridgerton family.
The series explores themes of love, scandal, social status, and the intricate dynamics of the Regency-era aristocracy. And of course, the Bridgerton siblings’ recurring theme of rivalry turned romance relationships.
The blueprint for the “enemies to lovers” trope, as proclaimed by many readers, is Pride and Prejudice. This story remains iconic for the many film adaptations of the book by Jane Austen. Who would ever forget Mr. Darcy?
Another iconic story with the trope is the Sound of Music. This remarkable musical did not just give us catchy songs to belt out but an iconic couple as well. As much as Maria and Captain Georg von Trapp’s relationship started on the wrong foot, we can’t deny how satisfying their romance blossomed.
And of course, 10 things I hate about you made all of us fall in love with Heath Ledger’s character Patrick Verona and all his red flags. His and Julia Stiles as Kat Stratford’s constant back and forth showed how good their chemistry was. And no one wrote poetry the same as Kat Stratford did in this movie.
Explaining the trope
The “enemies to lovers” trope is a narrative device found everywhere. From storytelling, including literature to film, television, and even romantic subplots in video games. Two characters become involved with each other beginning in rivalry but slowly turning into romance.
In this trope, the initial conflict or dislike between the characters creates tension and drama, which often leads to entertaining and engaging storytelling. As the story progresses, circumstances or personal growth may cause the characters to see each other in a new light, leading to a shift in their relationship dynamics.
They slowly begin to understand and appreciate each other’s qualities, leading to a transformation from “enemies to lovers”.
The “enemies to lovers” trope are popular because it adds layers of complexity, conflict, and emotional intensity to the romantic relationship. It often explores themes of personal growth, forgiveness, redemption, and the idea that love can transcend initial differences or animosity.
This trope appears in various genres, from romance novels to fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary fiction. It became a beloved and frequently used narrative device that many enjoy for the combination of tension, passion, and satisfaction of witnessing characters overcome their differences and find love.
Our perception of love
Enemies-to-lovers depicts how two individuals choose to love each other despite their flaws. The popularity of this narrative shows how most of us perceive love.
With the world being in disarray, all we want is for someone to choose and appreciate us despite our shortcomings. Although one may contest the problematic undertones of the narrative, the basic and pure message of it continues to pull on our heartstrings
All of us just wants to be loved and appreciated for who we are, flaws and all.
