A Rant about my Favorite Trope of All Time

Thank you all for coming to my Ted Talk. I spent many years crying and squealing about this trope. I think I’m ready to put it on the internet for everyone to see.

Tropes

I’ve talked to many readers, and most of them have that one literary trope that they adore. It checks all their boxes and sends them into a spiraling mess. Whether that be “there was only one bed” or “enemies to tolerable acquaintances to lovers,” each trope has that group of fans that go bananas whenever they see it in books.

As for me, whenever I see “one human character teaches another inhuman character how to be human, feel emotions, and find beauty in the world,” I get so excited. It sounds specific, but I do see it in various forms across literary genres.

The character could be human but has lost all hope in humanity. Someone who doesn’t see the point in getting to know others because it’s trivial and can only hurt them in the end. The growth curve of these characters is the most satisfying part to watch.

Beauty and the Beast

One of the most well-known works of art that display this theme is Beauty and the Beast. At the beginning of the story, the Beast is close to losing his humanity (symbolized by the rose). Belle shows him a new and beautiful world, with kindness and forgiveness in even the smallest of gestures.

I agree that the story is about true love and breaking the spell, but Belle gives the Beast more than that. She gives him perspective, letting him see different sides of herself so that he knows it’s safe to show himself back.

It’s Personal

I have struggled with showing and regulating my emotions. Watching a character go through the same thing with the help of another feels personal to me. Showing your humanity, which includes all your strengths and weaknesses, is the highest form of authenticity.

Vulnerability is something that doesn’t come easy to some. Whether that be something they were born with or something that they’ve learned, I think it’s crucial to remain open to the possibilities.

Other Literary Examples

Here is a list of my favorite literary works that feature this theme:

• Kubo and The Two Strings (Laika Studios)
• The Shadow of the Fox Trilogy by Julie Kagawa
• An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
• Hunter x Hunter (manga and anime) by Yoshihiro Togashi
• Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo

In Conclusion

Not every story fits this trope perfectly, but seeing its shades in different literary works is refreshing. Surrounding myself with it helps me to remember that painful emotions don’t last forever. In my opinion, it’s better to experience every emotion possible than feel nothing at all.