| dc.description.abstract | This thesis explores the romance novel and its readership among young girls.
The romance novel's examined appeal to the adolescent girls, hence form an
important sub-genre of literature read by the young.The study is based on the premise that the ideas and images expressed in the romance novel have a possible influence on their readers. Critical studies in the area of romance are therefore significant, bearing in mind that in the adolescence stage, one is
easily influenced by what they read. An examination of the romance novel should lead to a better understanding of the works themselves and their possible impact on the perception of their young readers.
The romance novels are avidly read by the girIs and are popular, especially since they address many of the readers' expectations. These include the ideas of romance, fashion and adventure, which are portrayed through the figures of the heroine and hero the
leading characters in the romance novel. The romance novels therefore involve their readers in the world created by a romance.
The thesis further concerns itself with how the girls' worldview is, has been or can be shaped and influenced by ideas derived from the romance novel.
The girls' response to the romance novel and their opinions concerning ideas and values expressed in the novel have been looked at, hence throwing light on the probable impact of the novels on their readers.
The thesis is divided into four chapters. Chapter one discusses the idea of romance as expressed in the romance novels read by the girls. Further highlighted
is the research problem together with the objectives, the justification, the hypothesis, the theoretical framework and the methodology used in collecting the relevant data, as well as a brief literature review.
In Chapter Two, the romance novels are examined.Three titles are selected for analysis.
The aspects analyzed in the romance novels are characterization and
themes as well as a brief look at the style.
Chapter Three examines the significance of the romance novel among young girls.
We take a close look at the reasons leading to the popularity of the romance novel and its role among the girls. Further examined is the possible influence and effect that the novels
may have on the worldview of the girls.
In Chapter Four, a conclusion of the findings is given. Finally, suggestions on further areas of research in children's literature are indicated. | en |
