5 iconic literature couples that were made into a movie

It's the month of love, and there are thousands of love stories in classical literature, to celebrate it, learn valuable lessons on love, and above all, to enjoy. The literature couples below were so strong and passionate, that bringing them to the big screen seemed like a no-brainer. But was the experiment a successful one, or it would be better to leave them in the book?

Hester και Arthur, The scarlet letter

In "The Scarlet Letter," Hester and Arthur are deeply in love. So much so that they have a child together. The only problem is that Hester is married to another man, Arthur is a priest, and both live together in 1600s Puritan Boston. It's hardly the ideal setting...

Adaptations of the work:
Several films, including a European one from '73, a 1995 version that’s hard to watch (unless you’re a Gary Oldman fanatic, like me), and Easy A, which shares some elements of the book but doesn't feature Arthur and Hester as we’d like.

Yay or Nay?
Not enough. I love Gary Oldman, but this couple still hasn't appeared on screen the way they deserve.

 

Elizabeth και  Mr Darcy, Pride and Prejudice

One of the most iconic romantic novels and Jane Austen's masterpiece, has a story that feels effortlessly modern due to its timeless themes, such as falling in love with someone you didn't expect. This book made me read nonstop not only that book, but all of Austen's other works too, which are just as wonderful—though they rarely surpass the incredible chemistry that jumps off the pages when Darcy meets Elizabeth!

Adaptations of the work:
Many well-made ones. Whether it's the 2005 film with Keira Knightley, the adapted comedy "Bride and Prejudice," or the unparalleled BBC mini-series with Colin Firth—these are enough to make you fall in love with the story all over again!

Yay or Nay?
I'd say quite a bit, but again, can you really get enough of such a couple?

Katherine  και Heathcliff, Wuthering Heights

Can a love story be also a very toxic story? Saddly it can, and I can't seem to get enough of it. There is a scene in the book that I can't describe without giving away major spoilers. And that's a shame, because this powerful scene reveals the strength with which Katherine and Heathcliff loved—but also hurt—each other. I'll just say the key word: "Broken window," and when you read it, you'll remember me!

Adaptations:

There have been a lot of adaptations. What can I say, people are suckers for intense romances. My personal favorite is the one with Ralph Fiennes, though I'll certainly go watch the new adaptation with Jacob Elordi.  

Yay or Nay?

I think we had enough adaptations of the book, and it's time, maybe to focus on other great love stories that are not that toxic.

Mrs De Winter και Maxim, Rebecca

This couple had an intense sexuality, surrounded by the mystery of the death of Maxim's first wife, Rebecca. The young second wife—whose name is never mentioned—is in love with him, but begins to tire of the constant presence of the deceased Rebecca.

Adaptations:
A classic with Laurence Olivier, two BBC series—and a relativelly new adaptation with Lily James and Armie Hammer in the roles.

Yay or Nay?
Whether one can stand Armie Hammer or not, we got to admit that there was intense chemistry between him and Lily James. So if one can ignore his real life shenanigans, and focus on his acting, then he can enjoy the film.

Jay Gatsby και Daisy, The Great Gatzby

I don't know if it's the book couple that I can't get enough of, or the incurably romantic hero himself. Probably the second. In this relationship, one gave more one took less—the Great Gatsby, as you might have guessed. But in any relationship where only one cares, only one gets hurt. Jay Gatsby learned that in the worst way...

Adaptations:
Among many others, there are two notable film versions. One with the wonderful Redford in the role of the great Gatsby, and the other with all the lights and music that Luhrmann is known for in his movies.

Yay or Nay?
With films, opera, even ballet, I can say I’ve had enough of the book’s adaptations. But with Gatsby himself? Never. And those of us who are true romantics like him always seek him out again and again in his book.