family romance
"Family romance" is a concept introduced by Sigmund Freud, reflecting childhood fantasies about one's parentage and a common theme in literary narratives exploring family dynamics.
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Definition
C1Psychology
(technical, academic)A child's fantasy of having parents of higher social status or different parentage, often to cope with feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction within their family.
Example
- In his therapy sessions, the psychologist noticed the child's recurring family romance fantasies about being the offspring of royalty.
- Freud's concept of family romance explains why some children imagine they are adopted by more idealized parents.
C1Literature
(narrative, fiction)A narrative theme that explores intricate family relationships, often involving secrets, mistaken identities, or dramatic revelations about parentage.
Example
- The novel's plot is a classic family romance, with the protagonist discovering she was switched at birth.
- Many Victorian novels incorporate elements of family romance to heighten drama and emotional stakes.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "family romance":