May-December romance, a classic trope in fanfiction, refers to a romantic relationship between two characters with a significant age difference. The term is derived from the metaphorical idea that one’s youth is like May, while the other’s older age symbolises December. It’s a soul-stirring genre that explores the different dynamics created by the age gap in their relationships.

Often seen in various fandom, it's the portrayal of such relationships that sparks the flame of fascination among readers, raising questions on societal taboos and norms. This article will delve into the various sides of this age-old trope, drawing insights from popular narratives on apps and websites And also providing analysis of its appeal.

Notions of Innocence and Experience

The primary attraction of May to December romances in fanfictions revolves around the notion of innocence versus experience. The mutual learning that occurs in these stories where younger protagonists look idyllically at the world, while the older ones have already tread the waters, adds depth to the narrative.

Wattpad, a popular platform for fanfiction, hosts many stories that effectively explore this dynamic. The app introduces a rating system that advises younger users on the degree of maturity in a piece of work, ensuring a safe reading environment for all ages. It adds an interesting dimension to May to December romances by offering an array of stories that present an engaging discourse between innocence and experience.

Coming of Age Theme

Another captivating aspect is the ‘coming of age�theme often entwined within these stories. The tussle between the younger character growing and maturing and the older character dealing with their insecurities and old patterns, creates a complex narrative. The contrast between experiencing new things and living through past experiences leaves readers engrossed.

A brilliant example is 'After', a sensational piece on Wattpad. It tells the story of Tessa Young, who falls for the charm of a much older, Hardin. The way the younger character learns to navigate adult relationships while the older character re-evaluates his life, illustrates the conjugation of coming of age and age-gap themes perfectly.

Societal Taboos and Acceptance

Fanfiction subtly touches upon societal taboos and acceptance of May to December relationships. Different communities have different perspectives, and to see this variety unfold in various stories is truly captivating. These narratives give readers a chance to explore and question societal norms through a safe, fictional medium.

FanFiction.net, one of the oldest platforms, provides a multitude of stories tackling societal taboos about such relationships. The website allows users to pair any two characters and view their relationship through a unique lens, acting as a catalyst for open discussions about societal norms.

Aging and Temporality

Some May to December fictions uniquely highlight the harsh reality of aging and temporality. The truth of one character having lived more life and having less future ahead forms a sombre undertone in these narratives, adding an existential undertone to the romance.

For instance, a popular story from the 'Twilight' fandom on FanFiction.net portrayed an aging Bella with an immortal Edward. Herein the story, the issue of aging was not just a subplot but the main plot, which kept the readers hooked till the very end.

FAQs

Why is it called a May-December romance?

The etymology is metaphorical, with 'May' representing the bloom of youth and 'December' symbolising the wisdom and experience of age, denoting the age gap between the partners.

Where can I find good May-December romance fanfictions?

Platforms such as Wattpad, Ao3, and FanFiction.net have many stories featuring May-December romances across different fandoms.

Why do people enjoy reading May-December romances?

Readers enjoy the various themes intertwined like the innocence-experience dynamic, coming of age, societal acceptance, or the reality of aging that makes these stories more intriguing and complex.

Reference: ‘After�- Anna Todd, Wattpad.

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