Why is death romanticized in young adult books?

Question

Finding Alaska, Thirteen Reasons Why, The Fault In Our Stars, etc. I really try to avoid those books, they don't set a good example for teenager. However, my teacher recommended Thirteen Reasons why and I de cided to check it out.
I'm not saying a boy dying of cancer and falling in love is a bad thing;however, it wasn't the first book that John Green made one of the main teenage characters die.
Not to be mean but usually in the books the girls are kind of... idiotic and kill themselves over dumb reasons. I've actually been bullied before horribly! More horrible than the girl from 13 R3asons Why. I was told to kill myself, die, no one likes me, etc. I didn't kill myself.
There should be books that actually give people the strength to not commit suicide, not romanticize it. That's not the way to do things. They make those main characters seem like such fun girls and stuff. Than they die... -_-

black_skinny_jeans · Accepted Answer

The writer doesn't have an authentic idea so he'll just play the tragedy card- whether one or multiple person dies it will be presented in a "beautiful" and melodramatic way.
Because everyone loves tragedies- happy endings are kind of boring, but nowadays tragedies are overused (some are good, it all depends on the way they were presented to the reader) and it's kind of a trend- think about vampires, werewolfs, aliens and incorporate them in a tragedy and voila: you'll get a book that's appealing to teens.
But it doesn't have to be all supernatural: you've mentioned the fault in our stars- it's all about waiting for the one (while having cancer and wondering if you'll die!) and then finally knowing the meaning of true love only to lose it in a short amount of time- in this case by dying. It's supposed to be romantic AND "realistic"-- because often people gain things just to lose them. Get it? It's a mix of relatable stuff and melodrama so it's perfect... for some. Not for me though. I do enjoy a tragedy here and there but only if it's well written and not a cliche.

IlovekatnissandMCR · Accepted Answer

In looking for Alaska, she didn't just 'up and kill herself'. And the main character was so mad at her for doing it, and he was upset for the whole rest of the book. These books you are talking about- also in the fault in our stars, they die of cancer which was kinda inevitable- are sad books, but I don't think they romanticize death. I think it's more about a process of grieving, and finding what's worth your time in life, because life could be short. I've never read 13reasons. But john green is brilliant. To answer the question if "why aren't there books who give people hope and stuff..." There definitely are. But like you said, preppy girls like a sad, soppy Romance story. So, you know... The encouraging books aren't as popular. But Google some.

RinaJMB · Accepted Answer

It's just another type of book, actually this one is actually useful as it contracts with the cliche "main characters get together and live happily ever after" it's quite realistic if you ask me, things in life aren't always sunshine and don't end up like we want to! Though for some reason these books are really popular right now, they always existed after all! I think the readers just get the wrong message, focus on the romance and forget the actual meaning of the story.

xXiTacoXx · Accepted Answer

Because people are suicidal, and idiots think "if I die for this person I'll be a romantic" and vice versa which I find stupid. I try to avoid books, movies, and shows that involve it. There's nothing romantic about death, but there is something permanent about it.

genuinlysensitive · Accepted Answer

Maybe you are just not reading the right young adult books? I never was really into that genre so I have no recommendations. I remember a lot of girls when I was in HS saying something about this, and why they started reading the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and more uplifting books. I'm sorry you were so horribly bullied, I was too, it sucks and it scars you for quite a while.

As for why, one it sells, for whatever reason. Two ever since "Romeo and Juliet" there has been an obsession with young lovers killing themselves or dying for stupid nonsensical reasons. And since Shakespeare wrote it, and he can do no wrong in the eyes of so many writers/educators it has become a "standard" to compare your writing and the writing of others.

Perhaps you could buck the trend, write a young adult book where no one actually dies, and maybe even there is a happy ending! I have dealt with bullying, anxiety, and depression, and I know that suicide especially, is nothing to romanticize.

Ulyss · Accepted Answer

I don't know why they do but I can understand titanic type of death "him sacrificing himself for her survival" but theyre some stupid people in this world after my sister told me that some idiot girl from tumblr wished she and her boyfriend had cancer

LaikaFreefall · Answer

Very thoughtful of you. Very smart. I hadn't considered this issue in literature. But no, it makes sense that romanticizing death might lead to some problems... ESPECIALLY romanticising suicide. How is that a good idea? At least cancer you can't help it if it happens to you, but making suicide seems somehow whimsical or otherwise positive... that's kinda messed.

Duryodhan · Answer

I've been in the paramilitary in my country and I've had men die on my lap... it's nothing romantic... I dont know how it can be in adult books. They usually ask for a little water because their throats are parched, sometimes they take a few sips and just pass away... nothing dramatic.

allahu_snackbar · Answer

It's a lazy way for shit writers to make an impact in a lacklustre plot.

AllThatSweetJazz · Answer

Well I don't know if it applies to those books but a negative reaction to it could be the purpose. Like "what an idiot" then you're less likely to end up in such a situation because you realise what's going on and how crazy it is. Also, not being stupid feel easier than being awesome. I think people might be naturally better at avoiding bad things than they are pursuing good things, but again I couldn't tell you if that applies to those books.

iamyourneighbor · Answer

You make a good point
Also in the movie titanic as well I believe that if Jack did not die it would have been seen as romantic. It's disturbing how death, love hate relationships and on and off relationships are romanticized

ixi10 · Answer

I don't think those books are romantizing it. It's just bringing awareness to an issue that many teens think about

RationalMale · Answer

It's pretty awful. I was in a staged house and picked up "Thirteen Reasons Why" briefly... how horrid.  Bullying and such is bad, sure.  Suicide is the ultimate act of cowardice and despair, though.

legendoftruth · Answer

They want kids to kill themselfs for stupid reasons...

dudeman · Answer

I guess its always been I guess hell even romeo and julliet. I think its because when you're that young minor things tend to feel like the end of the world.

Fortres · Answer

Would you say death is romanticized in Into The Wild?

Curmudgeon · Answer

Never mind the books--When I was your age, a good percentage of the music was about suicide as well.

jakeofalltrades · Answer

I hate teen books, they are all so full of drama and sappy crap it makes me want to puke. I like action pack books, fantasy and sci-fi, mystery and historical fiction are all good

John_Doesnt · Answer

Because teenagers get horny from death talk. Also it gives the goth kids something to talk about.

chrisbigman · Answer

I don't know. Maybe there are a bunch of people that want to depress young adults.

ginnyweasley · Answer

there are worse things in life than death

Bards · Answer

So it won't be boring and to make it sell.

ThatBritishLad · Answer

Because OMIGOD MATURE CONTROVERSIAL WOAH.

TheEpicWindmill · Answer

Because people like that shit.

Nathand · Answer

occultists...

Why is death romanticized in young adult books?

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