Thursday, 17 November 2011

Book Theme Progression


Throughout The Time Traveler’s Wife the theme romance and sci-fi collaborate very well with one another. The relation between Henry and Clare seems perfect in their world which connects to the romance theme much like any modern or post modern romance novel. What makes this novel very interesting is how surprisingly well science fiction fits into the story line. This mixing of themes keeps me drawn into the story the entire time and leaves me judging whether this life could be possible. The research put into learning the fictional abnormalities of Henry’s disease seems as real as the diseases we hear about in current day. The cross of themes also shows where the book fits into its era as post-modern. A very clear change I’ve noticed over the past few years is the mixing of themes throughout literature. Much like The Time Traveler’s Wife I am surprised time and time again as to how well it makes the story flow, and how much more in depth and improved (my opinion) to earlier novels. A novel I have related The Time Traveler’s Wife to in a previous post also shines through as mixing of themes. This series is the Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, and it to shares the romance theme but uses an adventure and action theme to mix with it. It too has a very subtle line between both themes but uses action as a grounded theme while romance acts as a backup and more personal smaller theme.

The entire book itself is an example of the new era mash-up style of themes. But there is a clear separation between themes, and at times a unique combination between both. The combination of both sci-fi and romance in a scene is what really draws me in as a reader.

Henry preparing to propose to Clare
(movie scene)
“Clare?
“Yes?” My voice is small and sacred.
“You know that I love you. Will you marry me?”
“Yes…Henry.” I have an overwhelming sense of déjà vu. “But you know, really…I already have.” (Niffenegger 226)

This is an exert from my novel on page 226, where Henry gets up the courage to propose to Clare. This is one of those rare opportunities where the science fiction aspect shines through alongside the romance theme. It is a clear example of romance, seeing as they are now engaged but if you have read the novel you know that Clare is already married to Henry and has known him for years. At this time it has been one year of dating for the two, but they know they’re future and love each other. The science fiction point which makes this as interesting as it is and also elaborates on the romance is the fact that Henry has been time travelling since he was a young child. But as a future self has lived a life knowing Clare since she was a child at the same time he was married to her. It isn’t a theme which the general reader or public would assume to work as wonderfully as it does, though it allows the story to flow, and the chemistry between the two seem as real as a real couple. 

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