Essay Questions

What is the singular feature of Haywood’s novel that makes it revolutionary?

Love in Excess for the most part follows the conventions and traditions of the narrative of romance. It is a story of the difficulties of getting to the happily ever after for a man and woman in love. Although within the confines of that structure, there is subversion on a more detailed level, the overarching element that pushes the boundaries of the genre is that expression of desire on the part of the woman. Haywood sets out to articulate how women possess the same sexual desires as men and although the flowery language can make open expression of desire somewhat difficult to detect for modern readers, many critics and readers found it scandalous at the time.

How is D’Elmont also an example of the novel’s subversion of romantic tropes?

By the third paragraph of the novel, D’Elmont’s basic character is engraved into the mind of the reader. Over the course of the rest of this epic tale, his actions will relentlessly confirm that initial impression the author has mandated for him. The keynote of his personality is twofold: he is exceedingly attractive to women and he is every bit as exceedingly oblivious to the effect he has upon them. The result is described in the thoughts of Alouisa as she contemplates why “the only Man I ever endeavour’d, or wish’d to Charm, regard me with Indifference.” Of course, it is not really indifference at all. D’Elmont is a type of character found in fiction and in the real world that continually stupefies others: that beautiful woman who turns every man who sees her into a blithering idiot but avoids inspiring jealousy in other women because she doesn’t even realize she’s doing it.

Early examples of British novels are infamous for their extended or unusual prefatory material, but what is especially strange in the case of this novel?

In most editions, Part One is prefaced by the addition of three works of verse. One by Richard Savage, one credited to “an unknown Hand” and one said to be written in the “Blank Leaf” of an early edition of the book itself. These poems might be viewed as prototypes for what is perfectly common in novels today: review excerpts. All three poems are essentially rave reviews composed in verse. Savage’s pain starts out with the intention to “To pain the Wonders of Eliza’s praise” which he then proceeds to do. That by the “unknown Hand” declares “I feel that Fire / Your Words alone can paint!” The final poet urges readers to read for the sake of approving Haywood’s handling of “The Cause of Honour and the Cause of Love.”