Romance formula in Where the Crawdads Sing 2022

Abstract

This study analyses the romantic formula in " Where the Crawdads Sing (2022) by applying John G. Cawelti's theoretical framework, which emphasizes the interaction between convention and innovation in cultural narratives with a descriptive qualitative method. The researcher explores how the film preserves and reinterprets traditional romantic elements. The findings show how Where Crawdads Sing strongly maintains several conventional aspects of the romantic genre, including a narrative structure that features a first encounter, emotional conflict, and reconciliation between the main characters. The presence of the hero and heroine, Tate and Kya, depicts the emotional and moral growth typical of romance stories. In addition, the natural swamp setting reinforces the film's emotional tone by evoking themes of isolation, hope, and affection. The storyline follows someone who overcomes all life's problems by discovering their true identity. The film becomes enjoyable to watch because it portrays a heroine who is intellectually intelligent but socially isolated and a hero who shows emotional sensitivity rather than dominance. This study discusses the integration of romantic elements through formulaic elements. It redefines the classical romantic framework by combining conventional romantic idealism with contemporary depictions of resilience, individuality, and mutual understanding.