Analysis of Romantic Relationships in Three Contemporary Novels by Women Writers Based on Duplex Theory of Love by Robert J. Sternberg.

Love has always been a complex topic throughout history, shaped by various periods and societies in terms of its origin, nature, and levels. Robert J. Sternberg, an American psychologist, proposed two theories: the triangular theory of love and the concept of love as a story. This research aims to analyze three novels—Souvashoon, Tooba va Manaye Shab, and Rouze Digare Shora—written by Iranian women authors from different literary periods, using Sternberg's duplex theory of love as a framework. It is hoped that by reflecting on this plan and illustrating the common patterns of love in the contemporary era as depicted in the story, the results of the research will indicate the prevalence of intimacy and passion, as well as a tendency towards themes of governance, recovery, home, and fantasy in emotional relationships between partners. The inclination of men towards romantic relationships and the efforts of women to experience consummate love are also prominently evident in these works. It appears that Sternberg's desired components of emotional relationships are integrated into the plots of these stories, suggesting that these texts may serve as a reflection of the relationships experienced in real society.
Introduction:
Love, a profound and intricate emotion, has been a central theme in literature across diverse cultures and historical periods, reflecting societal norms, cultural values, and individual experiences. In the context of Iranian literature, particularly in works authored by women, the portrayal of romantic relationships offers a unique perspective on the interplay between personal desires and societal expectations. This study examines the depiction of romantic relationships in three seminal novels by Iranian women writers—"Souvashoon" by Simin Daneshvar, "Tooba va manaye shab" by Shahrnush Parsipur, and "Rouze digare Shora" by Fariba Vafi—utilizing Robert J. Sternberg’s duplex theory of love as an analytical framework. These novels, which span different periods of Iranian literary history, provide a rich tapestry for examining how love is conceptualized and experienced within various socio-cultural contexts. Sternberg’s duplex theory consists of two interrelated models: the triangular theory of love and the theory of love as a story. The triangular theory defines love through three core components: intimacy, which encompasses emotional closeness and connectedness; passion, characterized by physical attraction and romantic desire; and commitment, the determination to sustain a relationship over time. These components combine to form distinct types of love, such as romantic love (intimacy + passion), companionate love (intimacy + commitment), and consummate love (intimacy + passion + commitment), which Sternberg posits as an ideal yet challenging state. The theory of love as a story complements this by proposing that individuals construct personal narratives about love, shaped by their experiences, cultural backgrounds, and societal influences. These narratives, often referred to as "love stories," shape individuals' expectations and behaviors in relationships. Examples include the "government" story, which views love as a power dynamic; the "recovery" story, which sees love as a means of healing; the "house and home" story, which portrays love as a familial foundation; and the "fantasy" story, which presents love as an idealized vision.
By applying psychological constructs to literary analysis, this research aims to illuminate the nature of romantic relationships as depicted by Iranian women writers across various eras—specifically the 1960s, 1980s, and 2000s. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances our understanding of these literary works but also highlights the cultural and psychological dimensions of love within Iranian society, revealing both unique cultural nuances and universal patterns of human connection.
Methodology:
This study employs a qualitative literary analysis methodology, grounded in close reading and thematic interpretation, to explore the romantic relationships depicted in "Souvashoon," "Tooba va manaye shab," and "Rouze digare Shora." The analysis aims to identify textual evidence—such as dialogues, character reflections, and narrative descriptions—that illustrates the dynamics of love according to Sternberg’s duplex theory. For the triangular theory, relationships within the novels were categorized based on the presence and intensity of intimacy, passion, and commitment. Intimacy was identified through instances of emotional bonding and mutual understanding, passion through expressions of physical attraction and romantic fervor, and commitment through characters’ explicit or implied intentions to sustain their relationships despite obstacles.
The analysis also explored how these components interacted to create specific types of love within each narrative. In the context of the theory of love as a story, the study examined the implicit narratives or "love stories" that shape characters’ perceptions and experiences of love. This involved identifying recurring themes, motifs, and plot elements that align with Sternberg’s taxonomy, such as power struggles, healing processes, familial stability, and idealized romanticism. The historical contexts of the novels—ranging from the politically charged 1960s in "Souvashoon," the transformative 1980s in "Tooba va manaye shab," to the contemporary 2000s in "Rouze digare Shora"—were considered to assess potential shifts in the portrayal of love over time. While this method facilitates a nuanced exploration of the texts, its subjective nature presents a limitation, as interpretations may differ among readers. To address this issue, the analysis is grounded in Sternberg’s well-defined theoretical framework, which ensures a structured and replicable approach.
Results and Discussion:
The analysis reveals a diverse portrayal of romantic relationships across the three novels, with intimacy and passion emerging as prominent components, while the significance of commitment varies depending on the narrative context and character dynamics. In "Souvashoon," set against a backdrop of political upheaval, romantic relationships often reflect a balance of intimacy and commitment, aligning with the concept of companionate love. The societal constraints of the time seem to temper passion, emphasizing duty and emotional support, as illustrated in the "house and home" narrative, where love underpins familial stability. In contrast, "Tooba va manaye shab" foregrounds passion, with relationships characterized by intense emotional and spiritual connections, often lacking a strong commitment. The novel’s mystical and allegorical tone aligns with the "fantasy" narrative, portraying love as a transcendent and transformative force. "Rouze digare Shora," a modern narrative, presents a complex interplay of all three components. Relationships oscillate between companionate love within marriage and passionate romanticism in extramarital contexts, with the "recovery" narrative evident as characters seek emotional healing through love.
Common love stories identified across the novels include the "government" narrative, where power dynamics shape relationships and reflect patriarchal influences; the "recovery" narrative, which highlights love’s healing potential; the "house and home" narrative, emphasizing familial roles; and the "fantasy" narrative, depicting idealized aspirations. A notable gender disparity emerges: male characters frequently pursue romantic love, prioritizing passion and intimacy without long-term commitment, while female characters strive for consummate love, seeking a holistic balance of all three components, often thwarted by societal norms. These findings suggest that the portrayal of love evolves over time, reflecting changing cultural attitudes and individual agency within Iranian society, yet remains deeply intertwined with traditional expectations and gender roles.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates the efficacy of Sternberg’s duplex theory as a robust framework for analyzing romantic relationships in literature, providing insights into both the psychological underpinnings and cultural contexts of love. The predominance of intimacy and passion, along with the variable role of commitment, underscores the complexity of love as depicted in these Iranian novels. The recurring themes of love—government, recovery, home, and fantasy—underscore how cultural narratives shape romantic experiences. Gender differences further illuminate enduring societal dynamics, particularly the challenges women encounter in their pursuit of consummate love. These literary portrayals not only reflect real-world relationship patterns but also potentially influence readers’ perceptions of love, creating a bridge between fiction and reality. The findings enhance literary criticism by demonstrating the significance of psychological theories in textual analysis, while also contributing to psychology by offering narrative case studies that explore cultural influences on relationships.
Future research could broaden this analysis by examining a larger corpus of Iranian literature or conducting comparative studies with works from other cultural traditions. This approach would further explore the universality and diversity of love's depiction. Additionally, investigating how these literary representations influence readers' attitudes toward love could enhance our understanding of the relationship between narrative art and lived experience.