The Best Classic Literary Couples 24 Books

Gatsby’s unwavering obsession with Daisy symbolizes his desire for acceptance and happiness in a world filled with materialism and class division. Their love story is not just about romantic attachment; it’s also a reflection of the American Dream’s allure and its pitfalls. The intensity of their relationship, paired with the social barriers they face, underscores the poignant reality that sometimes love is not enough to bridge the gap between dreams and reality. Tragic literary couples often evoke strong emotions in readers because their stories highlight the vulnerability of love. The tragic endings of these relationships reflect the consequences of obsession, fate, and human flaws, which makes them both heartbreaking and compelling.

These pairs, often bound by fate, love, or profound understanding, serve as the heart of countless tales. They reflect the complexities of human relationships—often illustrating themes of love, sacrifice, and personal growth. Here are ten iconic soulmate duos in literature that have left an indelible mark on readers.

This betrayal sends Heathcliff into a downward spiral of bitterness and vengeance. The toxic, all-consuming nature of their relationship is marked by jealousy, cruelty, and emotional turmoil, making it one of the most tragic love stories in literature. Famous literary couples whose relationships have become iconic in the canon of Western narrative are many in English literature in particular. Occasionally, we may choose the best fictional boyfriend or dream about the best fictional lovers scenario.

These couples are still important to readers today because they explore the intricacies of human relationships that are timeless and universal, in addition to reflecting the ideals of love in their respective eras. These couples continue to enthrall readers, providing fresh perspectives on love, devotion, and the human condition, regardless of whether they are destined for tragedy or happiness. Elizabeth learns to look beyond her initial judgments, and Darcy sheds his pride, revealing his true character.

Friends might push Ross and Rachel as the main couple but Monica and Chandler easily steal the spotlight. They fell in love, never took a “break”, and just kept on going as the series went on. They’re the opposite of the former, who had an unsure attitude to their relationship up to the series finale. Edith Wharton’s “The House of Mirth” follows Lily Bart as she navigates high society’s treacherous waters in early 20th-century New York City.

Anne Boleyn And Henry Viii

Before Leo and Kate, we had Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta; the pair skyrocketed as the go-to couple after Grease debuted in 1978. The film, directed by Randal Kleiser, is one of those weird stances when Hollywood adapts a Broadway musical and does so successfully. The film was made on a tiny budget of $6 million and scored $366 million worldwide. The coming-of-age story set in the 50s features Sandy, a good girl, and Danny, the leader of a greaser gang, as they navigate the ups and downs of teenage love, peer pressure, and self-discovery.

A famous literary couple typically resonates with readers due to the depth of their relationship, the challenges they face, and the emotions they evoke. These couples often embody universal themes of love, sacrifice, and personal growth, which makes them relatable across time and culture. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë presents a love story that combines personal growth, social commentary, and romantic passion. Jane Eyre, an orphaned girl with little social standing, falls in love with her employer, the mysterious Mr. Rochester. Their relationship is initially marked by an imbalance of power, with Jane being in a vulnerable position due to her low status and Rochester’s wealth. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward met during the production of Picnic and shortly married after filming the movie The Long, Hot Summer.

Shakespeare’s work captures the essence of youthful idealism, where two individuals believe that their love can conquer all obstacles—even death itself. Their tale serves as a timeless reminder of love’s potential to inspire profound joy as well as deep sorrow. Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan represent an idealistic yet tragic depiction of love from a bygone era.

We see fragments of ourselves, our aspirations, and our dreams mirrored in characters in love. Whether it’s the excitement of a first kiss, the solace of a familiar pattern, or the sorrow of a painful goodbye, these fictional relationships resonate deeply within us. A long-awaited and incredibly satisfying pairing, Lydia and Stiles’s relationship grew from unrequited crush to an unbreakable bond.

Gomez And Morticia From The Addams Family

Their love story highlights the transformative nature of romantic relationships when both partners are equals. They are the couples that make me laugh or cry or stand up cheering them on, living with them, and for them. Our favorite fictional couples teach us about love in all its power, sacrifice, and understanding, being so raw and pure and genuine. Whether we’re talking about books or life, differing opinions can enrich a discussion when they’re offered for the purpose of greater connection and deeper understanding, which we whole-heartedly support.

Jay is Gloria’s rock, helping her navigate the intricacies of American culture, language, and everyday life. Carl and Ellie start as mutual fans of a famed explorer and slowly grow into the loving couple shown above. Though their life story is only shown in a quick montage, they not only manage to show what a healthy relationship is but also captivate every Disney and Pixar fan’s heart. In John Green’s poignant exploration of love amidst illness, Hazel Grace Lancaster meets Augustus Waters at a cancer support group, leading to an unforgettable connection marked by vulnerability, humor, and depth.

Their relationship blossoms despite the harsh realities they face; it challenges traditional notions about what it means to live fully while confronting mortality head-on. Hazel and Augustus’s journey demonstrates that soulmates can find strength in each other even during life’s darkest moments—forever changing how they view existence itself. Peggy and Steve’s love story is one of unwavering loyalty and a tragic, heartbreaking separation, leaving us all wishing for that final dance. Amidst the bleak Coen Brothers world, Marge and Norm’s quiet, supportive, and incredibly normal marriage is a beacon of warmth. Their understated love feels so real and comforting, a truly sweet fictional relationship.

But Pip loves the thrill of the chase (don’t we all?) and when he rises in social stature and confidence, he pursues Estella even more -even when she marries the repugnant Drummle for money. Although the couple never end up married, Dickens brings the ending to a cute close and suggests that after all the heart-ache, Pip and Estella will eventually be together. Scarlett O’Hara has a wealth of admirers in Margret Mitchell’s novel set in Confederate America, but her one true love is Rhett Butler, a war hero who eventually ends up as Scarlett’s third husband. Although we never really find out whether the couple will end up happy together, the journey they undertake from idyllic Southern plantations, to mourning for lost ones in post-war America has us rooting for them all the way. You can find the short story “A Most Blessed and Auspicious Occasion” early on in Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s Someone Who Will Love You In All Your Damaged Glory. (What a title!) Raphael Bob-Waksberg is the creator of the wonderfully cynical Bojack Horseman, a show that, to me, feels very much like sitting under a weighted blanket but the blanket is sadness (in a fun way).

Acclaimed and celebrated for one of the finest love stories, Carl and Ellie are in this wordless montage of Up. The combination of childhood dreams and the reality of growing old together is one of the finest depictions of love, turning sweet and emotional at the same time. This relationship marks the tradition of slow-burns, best friends becoming lovers. Luke and Lorelai’s relationship is built on coffee, witty remarks, steadfast support, and the realization that sometimes the person you want to build a life with is right in front of you.

They exemplify the quintessential expression of love with the phrase ‘As you wish.’ Their storybook romance tale, rich with adventure, genuine affection, and heroic exploits, has earned its status as a timeless classic. It is rather surprising that the marriage of Marge and Homer Simpson has stood the test of time, considering the various antics of Homer Simpson. Yet, this ‘endearing’ love and unwavering patience from Marge, along with surprising forms of affection from Homer, present them as a couple struggling and then thriving in the world of TV comedy. A fearless reporter who goes head-to-head with a seemingly mild-mannered journalist and superhero captures the imagination like no other. Clark and Lois exist in a world of mutual respect laced with just enough danger and a no-holds-barred, secret identity smackdown. Although frustrating at times, watching the romance blossom as Eliza transforms and Higgins grudgingly warms to her is captivating, to say the least.

The updated version features the acting talents of Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. It’s a charming story about a talented musician named Jackson who is constantly battling his demons until he discovers the fantastic talent of Ally, a waitress who sings in a bar he visits. The blossom romance is hit from all angles as addiction and the expensive toll of fame try to bring down these lovers. Bradley and Gaga immortalized their performances not so much with the film but with a steamy performance in the 2019’s Academy Awards ceremony. Estella is arguably one of Dickens’ strongest female characters who rejects the notion of romance and warns Pip to stay away from her when the two are children.

Even though I have not read a lot of books that fall squarely in the romance genre, I love it when a little romance is part of the larger story. I tend to get emotionally involved with the lives of fictional couples, and am heartbroken if my ship sinks. I am sure crying one’s eyes out over the fate of imaginary people, while gorging on copious amounts of chocolate, is perfectly acceptable bookworm behavior.

• The talented young Mexican painter Kahlo paid a visit to the studio of famous muralist Rivera in search of career advice.
• Initially repulsing and ultimately unwaveringly committed to each other.
• The updated version features the acting talents of Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.

The mutual obsession between these two lovers is out of control, and their passion basically burns down anyone between them. When he loses her, Heathcliff becomes quite evil taking down anyone who even looks at him the wrong way. It probably doesn’t help that Catherine haunts Heathcliff throughout his remaining days. While this may not be the most stable relationship in literature, these two definitely understand the term passion.

Love, lust and drama unfolds for the Bennet sisters and of course Elizabeth’s disdain for Darcy eventually thaws which results in that much-sought-after proposal at the end of the novel. newlineWith all the wit, attraction, and ridiculously likable qualities this pair brings to the table, we couldn’t resist including them. There’s so much to love about January and Gus, but one of our favorite parts is their mutual respect and understanding of each other. As writers, they can put themselves in each other’s shoes while pushing the other to keep going. We love that their relationship starts as friendship that gradually becomes one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful romances of all time. (Just writing this makes us feel the need to grab tissues…) Read The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. You laugh over their ups and cry over their downs, eagerly waiting for how things are going to end.

This isn’t exactly a buddy comedy, but nothing on Earth seems to get Ahab more stimulated than the most famous sperm whale of all time. Either way, the best couples from literature aren’t always the ones whose paths to love run smooth – in fact the more drama involved, the better. Of course, some of these relationships are downright impossible which has led to a few unrealistic standards. Reality can be a bit disappointing, but if you’re with a good partner, these are the things you talk about and work around. Andy’s a bumbling goofball akin to a golden retriever while April’s a goth-like gem full to bursting with sarcasm and apathy. You would think they can’t possibly work, but time and again they’re able to move past romantic stereotypes and be comfortable in their differences.

Further complications arise when the narrator learns that Louise has cancer. Louise’s husband gives the narrator an ultimatum to leave in exchange for the best possible medical care. Although the road to happiness is not always smooth, this novel flies by due to the exquisite prose of the author. This is the story of a being who simply goes by the name “A.” Every day, A wakes up in a new body, and it has been this way for his entire life.

So it was surprising that one of the first couples you meet in his collection are… happy? Actually, not only are they happy but they are in love and planning a wedding! Of course, this is where Bob-Waksberg’s madcap surreal humor comes in. In this world, weddings must have half-blind love-demons and something called the Dance of the Cuckolded Woodland Sprite.

But what makes this pair one of our favorites is the mutual support — particularly when it comes to their careers–even when it’s hard. Plus, it’s hard not to be obsessed with a couple with a shared obsession with reading and local libraries. Westley and Buttercup’s love story is a whirlwind of events that all started with a simple “As you wish”. Though it seems their journey came to an abrupt and sad end, their reunion (shown above) is one of the most iconic scenes in film history. Though both are from different cultures and age brackets, their differences become the catalyst for one another’s growth. Gloria softens Jay’s hard exterior, allowing him to better express his love for his family.

While in the body of a boy named Justin, A begins to develop feelings for Justin’s girlfriend Rhiannon. Although A has always done his best not to interfere with the lives of his many hosts, meeting Rhiannon has sparked a longing for something long-term. Charles de Lint is a master of urban fantasy and most known for his series of stories set in the fictional town of Newford.

Life is pretty hard for the characters in Suzanne Collins’ dystopian, autocratic country of Panem. Mainly because kids and teenagers get forced to fight each other to the death in a nationally-televised event. When Katniss and Peeta are put head-to-head in front of the whole of Panen, technically they should kill each other, after playing up to each other’s affections as well as the cameras to survive however, true love ends up blossoming. And whilst they both survive the initial Hunger Games, there’s a small matter of a revolution, political imprisonment, and a brainwashing to overcome before love can prevail. A classic love story centred around the witty, independent Elizabeth Bennet who resists caving to the social expectations of marriage in Georgian England whilst assisting her sisters with their own love lives. That all changes when a rich neighbour called Mr. Bingley moves into town, bringing with him the dashing-yet-irritable Mr. Darcy.

The couple tried as much as they could to live a normal life out of their Tribeca apartment and with any normal marriage they had ups and downs. “They would love hard, and they would fight hard,” said a friend of the couples, Ariel Paredes. It was evident the love was there and as public attention mounted Carolyn and JFK Jr. became an iconic duo. Sadly, their love was cut short when the couple tragically died on July 16, 1999 in a plane crash over the Atlantic ocean. Perhaps the most famous couple in literary history, Romeo and Juliet epitomize young love challenged by external forces—namely, family feuds and societal pressures. Their intense passion is both beautiful and tragic, showcasing how love can flourish even in the most adverse circumstances.

With February 14 right around the corner, we got to thinking about some of the best and most unusual examples of two becoming one AmourFactoryReview site in literature, and came up with these great bookish pairings. The fake bromance to actual romance storyline plus hilarious banter and insightful political commentary makes this couple one of THE most memorable love stories (soon to be a movie!). Their chemistry is undeniable and it’s impossible not to love this story as they each pursue their individual goals and celebrate their identities. Slow, steady, and sexy, this relationship is one that gets better with every page. We love how the different layers of each character develop over time and the way Olive Smith and Adam Carlsen bring out new sides of each other, sometimes parts they didn’t even know they had.