Truly a force to be reckoned with, love is the greatest gift the world has to offer. And while it brings unspeakable joy to our lives, it also makes us do crazy things, things out of character. It’s what drives the he-man to attend the ballet or a romantic comedy with minimum complaint. It’s what makes the girl who can’t stand sports relinquish control of the remote on a Sunday afternoon. Love is a powerful thing. With Valentine’s Day tomorrow, we think it’s the perfect time to revisit some of the most famous romances in history. While not all of our couples found happy endings, their stories show us just how powerful the force of love can be.
Romeo & Juliet
Centuries after Shakespeare penned his immortal play, these star-crossed lovers are still the most famous romantic-pairing in literature. Romeo and Juliet are the epitome of love at first sight, only to later discover their families are mortal enemies. Determined to be together despite their feuding relatives, they concoct a plan which ends in disaster and ultimately, death. Not exactly the happiest of endings, but their story captures the innocence and naiveté of young love.
Elizabeth Bennett & Mr. Darcy
“Pride & Prejudice”, one of Jane Austen’s most beloved novels, introduces us to the characters of proud and passionate Mr. Darcy and the highly individualistic and intelligent Elizabeth Bennett. While initially expressing disdain and borderline loathing for the other, of course they inevitably fall in love. Divided by the rigorous class system of the time, they are ultimately united only after conquering their own hubris.
Scarlett O’Hara & Rhett Butler
There’s no better representation of a “love/hate” relationship than Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler in “Gone with The Wind.” Flirting and fighting their way through the Civil War, their relationship is passionate but ultimately holds no permanence. Scarlett realizes her true love for Rhett only to find she has already driven him away. Set against the sweeping backdrop of the war torn South, their relationship depicts two deeply flawed people searching for what so many seek.
Antony & Cleopatra
All of our couples so far have been fictional, but these two caused international scandal when Marc Antony, having gone to Egypt to secure funds for Rome, fell in love with the beautiful Pharaoh. Thus began an affair that scandalized all of Roman society, and frightened Roman politicians who were already suspicious of Egypt. They married in 36 B.C. and made plans to conquer Rome, but before their plans could come to fruition, the Roman general Octavian destroyed their forces. Antony, having heard a false report of Cleopatra’s death fell on his own sword. Learning of Antony’s death, Cleopatra, left without hope, induced a poisonous asp to bite her. Immortalized by Shakespeare and by performance from Richard Burton and Liz Taylor, this remains one of the most famous love stories of all time.
Wallis Simpson & King Edward VIII
After serving a 325 day reign, King Edward VIII abdicated his rule of England to marry the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson. Knowing full well the people of England could never accept an American divorcee as their queen, King Edward abdicated to his successor, his younger brother Charles. Shortly after his resignation, the newly-titled Duke of Windsor gifted Wallis Simpson a platinum-set, 19.77 carat rectangular emerald engagement ring that was truly fit for a queen. They married in France in 1937 with no members of the royal family in attendance. They remained in exile in England for the rest of their lives and were buried together in the royal burial grounds at Windsor castle.
Jack Dawson & Rose DeWitt Bukater
With the upcoming re-release of Titanic in theatres, we’re reminded of the ill-fated romance of Jack and Rose, one of the most famous cinematic couples in history. Jack, a penniless artist wins a ticket aboard the doomed maiden voyage of Titanic. Rose, wealthy but desperately unhappy, is trapped in a loveless engagement and boards the Titanic with her fiancée and scheming mother. An improbable romance begins between Jack and Rose, which is later solidified in the wake of the ship’s collision with an iceberg. Desperate to be together and to survive the horrors of the accident, Jack and Rose struggle to stay alive. Finding themselves in freezing waters, Jack locates a headboard for them to float on, but finds it will only support the weight of one. Helping Rose onto the headboard, Jack sacrifices himself in order that Rose might go on to live a full life.
However your love story is written, we hope you have a beautiful and memorable Valentine’s Day.
