Tags
EU referendum, Head, Heart, Jane Austen, Leave, Remain, Shakespeare
I’ve heard someone answer, when asked about the EU referendum, that their heart says Leave but their head says Remain. Heart v Head? That’s the theme of so many stories. A whole sub-genre of romantic novels, perhaps. Which are your favourites?
I first thought that Persuasion was in this category, but I’m not so sure now. When we get to the end we see that Heart wins, but by then we so much approve of Captain Wentworth that we would put Anne marrying him in the Head category too. Hmm.
In the typical Heart v Head story the presumption is that heart is in fact right. Of course Jessica should elope with Lorenzo – they are young and attractive and in love. The practical and social downsides of this are simply discounted, or not even considered.
Can you think of a story where Head wins?
Thought not. As a writer, would you compose a story-line in which Head wins over Heart? Would such a novel work? Would people buy it?
(And how does that help decide over the EU …….. ?)
ninevoices 
Not sure I agree with your referendum split, Ed – I think many people are struggling to overcome their initial emotional instincts in order to act rationally – in either direction. It’s made harder by the swamp of induced emotions both sets of campaigners are forcing us to wade through. And I doubt if much Head was used by that man who killed poor Jo Cox yesterday.
When it comes to novels, I think all of Jane Austen’s books are clear about Head being more important than Heart; that choices made entirely for Heart are rarely successful, especially in the area of choosing a life partner. I think Mansfield Park is probably the best example, with Fanny prepared to throw away all comforts and prospects in order to be true to her own morality, rationally held. All the characters who follow their Hearts come to sticky ends.
– Christine
When I was young and reading Daphne du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek for the first time I longed for Dona St Columb to follow her heart and run away with the blissfully romantic Frenchman. The years have brought a different perspective.
Oh, I know. I loved Frenchman’s Creek, and I did want Dona to follow her heart. But as an older woman, I see it differently.
But I still rather envy her the excitement…