Fated Mates Podcast Episode S07:07 - "The Seven Deadly Sins: Let's Fire Up Wikipedia"
Release Date: October 23, 2024
Hosts: Sarah MacLean & Jen Prokop
Introduction
In the landmark seventh season of Fated Mates - A Romance Novel Podcast, co-hosts bestselling author Sarah MacLean and renowned romance critic Jen Prokop delve deep into the thematic resonance of the seven deadly sins within the romance genre. Celebrating seven years of insightful discussions and passionate readings, this episode titled "The Seven Deadly Sins: Let's Fire Up Wikipedia" offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of how these timeless sins are intricately woven into the fabric of romance narratives.
Seven-Year Anniversary Reflections
Kicking off the episode, Sarah and Jen reminisce about the podcast's humble beginnings, recalling their very first episode where they discussed the beloved film Moonstruck. Reflecting on their growth from a modest listener base of 300 to a legion of dedicated fans, they express heartfelt gratitude to their audience.
Sarah (03:05):
"We've done a very, very fun... We did a very, very fun read of Moonstruck seven years ago."
Jen (05:19):
"Happy anniversary to everybody out there. Raise your hand if you've been with us from the beginning."
Their anniversary celebration transition smoothly into the episode's main theme: analyzing romance novels through the lens of the seven deadly sins.
Choosing the Seven Deadly Sins Framework
Sarah introduces the concept of dissecting romance novels by assigning each of the seven deadly sins—Pride, Greed, Wrath, Envy, Lust, Gluttony, and Sloth—to specific books. This approach not only highlights the moral complexities within romantic storylines but also underscores how these sins influence character development and plot progression.
Sarah (08:19):
"If we did the seven deadly sins?"
Jen (08:22):
"And I instantly was like, oh, yes."
The hosts acknowledge the challenges in aligning romance with inherently negative traits, emphasizing the nuanced portrayal required to maintain the genre's optimistic essence.
Deep Dive: The Seven Deadly Sins in Romance
1. Envy
Selected Book: Barbarians Taming by [Author Name]
Sarah and Jen discuss Barbarians Taming, highlighting the protagonist Maddie's envy of her solitary status in Kelly Lakes. Maddie's internal struggle and her relationship with Hasan, a former antagonist turned protector, encapsulate the essence of envy transformed into a driving force for personal growth and romantic connection.
Jen (28:28):
"She doesn't really want that... she just didn't want to be the last one."
Sarah (30:36):
"She is not looking for a relationship. And he tells himself like he isn't either."
2. Lust
Selected Book: Uncivilized by Sawyer Bennett
Exploring lust beyond mere physical desire, Sarah presents Uncivilized, a Tarzan retelling where anthropologist protagonists navigate intense attraction under unconventional circumstances. The balance between professional duty and overwhelming desire illustrates lust's potent role in catalyzing profound romantic developments.
Sarah (41:25):
"Everything else is dialed down and the lust is dialed up."
3. Gluttony
Selected Book: Fury on Fire by Sophie Jordan
Gluttony, often misconstrued as mere indulgence in food, is redefined by Jen through Fury on Fire. The story's protagonists grapple with overconsumption of pleasure, manifesting in their relentless pursuit of personal satisfaction, which ultimately threatens their well-being and relationships.
Sarah (65:03):
"So, like, like what's amazing is... you can smell the cabin and you can feel his touch and you can taste the food."
4. Greed
Selected Book: Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell
Greed is depicted not just as desire for wealth but as an insatiable longing for control and possession. In Claiming the Courtesan, the Duke's obsession with his mistress transcends material wealth, illustrating greed's darker facets within romantic entanglements.
Jen (70:46):
"You want something the other person does not want to give you."
5. Sloth
Selected Book: Stolen Desire by Robin Lovett
Contrary to common perceptions, sloth is portrayed not by inactivity but by a deep-seated reluctance to change or exert effort. Robin Lovett's Stolen Desire showcases characters entrenched in complacency, whose eventual awakening propels them toward transformative romantic relationships.
Jen (81:00):
"He's just a really lays about... he's living for the first time."
6. Wrath
Selected Book: Heart of Blood and Ashes by Millivaen
Wrath is meticulously explored through themes of revenge and destruction. Heart of Blood and Ashes presents a hero consumed by vengeance, whose journey toward redemption underscores the tumultuous interplay between anger and love.
Sarah (93:04):
"The hero is so unhinged. He cannot see past his desire for revenge."
7. Pride
Selected Book: The Bride Price by Anne Mallory
Pride emerges as both a character flaw and a catalyst for growth. In The Bride Price, prideful protagonists must dismantle their egos to foster genuine connections, highlighting the sin's capacity to impede and ultimately enhance romantic bonds.
Jen (99:20):
"The devil's most essential trait, the anti God state, where the ego and self is directly opposed to God."
Insights and Conclusions
Throughout the episode, Sarah and Jen emphasize the delicate balance required to incorporate sinful traits into romance without undermining the genre's inherently hopeful narratives. They argue that the exploration of these sins adds depth to character arcs and enriches the storytelling experience, allowing readers to engage with complex moral dilemmas within a romantic framework.
Sarah (20:55):
"We can't quite get away from it, right? Like, it's so steeped in, like, Christianity."
Jen (21:43):
"Romance is really telling on itself when you view it through this lens."
The hosts conclude that the seven deadly sins serve as powerful tools for dissecting and appreciating the multifaceted nature of romance novels, ultimately reinforcing the genre's ability to reflect and challenge societal norms.
Notable Quotes
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Sarah (00:27):
"It doesn't matter how cold you are. The heat doesn't go on until November 1st."
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Jen (02:28):
"New Englanders, we are strange."
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Sarah (11:25):
"Sometimes, like, now, I was really familiar, however, with, like, the saints."
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Jen (22:18):
"Or right. Or pushes it to the point where even we as readers are like, it's the pick too much."
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Sarah (20:19):
"We care a lot less about lust than."
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Jen (28:28):
"She chooses not to be the last one."
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Sarah (41:25):
"Everything else is dialed down and the lust is dialed up."
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Jen (94:26):
"Angry people are slaves to themselves."
Final Thoughts
As Sarah and Jen wrap up the episode, they reiterate their appreciation for the listeners who have journeyed with them over seven years. They encourage fans to continue exploring the intricate dance of virtues and sins in romance novels, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the genre's complexities.
Sarah (112:22):
"All gas, no brakes. You want to leave it all on the field so that whatever happens, you know you did the best you could."
Jen (113:17):
"We are trying very hard to get Kamala Harris into office on November 5th. If you would like to join us on this final push, we really need more bodies."
Conclusion
Episode S07:07 of Fated Mates - A Romance Novel Podcast offers an expansive and engaging exploration of the seven deadly sins within the romance genre. Through thoughtful analysis and passionate discussion, Sarah and Jen illuminate how these age-old moral concepts continue to shape and enrich modern romantic storytelling. Whether you're a long-time listener or a newcomer to the podcast, this episode provides invaluable insights into the enduring interplay between sin and love in literature.