It Ends With Us: A Review Of The 80s Influence

It Ends With Us: A Review of the 80s Influence

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It Ends With Us: A Review of the 80s Influence

Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us has captivated readers with its poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring impact of trauma. While the novel delves into contemporary themes, it also draws inspiration from the 1980s, weaving a tapestry of cultural and social influences that resonate deeply with readers. This review examines the 80s elements within It Ends With Us, highlighting their significance and contribution to the story’s emotional depth.

The 80s Backdrop: A Tapestry of Nostalgia and Societal Shifts

The novel’s setting, primarily in Boston, Massachusetts, is intentionally placed during the 1980s. This era serves as a backdrop, subtly shaping the characters’ experiences and the narrative’s atmosphere.

• The Rise of the Yuppie Culture: The 80s saw the emergence of the "yuppie" (young urban professional) culture, characterized by materialism, career ambition, and a focus on personal success. This societal trend is reflected in the characters of Ryle Kincaid, a successful neurosurgeon, and Lily Bloom, a budding florist with aspirations for her own business. Their lives are intertwined with the pressures and expectations of this ambitious era.
• The Impact of the AIDS Crisis: The AIDS epidemic, a defining crisis of the 1980s, casts a long shadow over the narrative. While not explicitly mentioned, the fear and uncertainty surrounding the disease are subtly woven into the characters’ anxieties and relationships. This societal backdrop contributes to the novel’s exploration of vulnerability and the complexities of love in the face of fear.
• The Changing Role of Women: The 1980s witnessed a significant shift in the societal expectations for women. Lily, a strong and independent character, navigates the challenges of balancing her career aspirations with her personal life, reflecting the changing roles of women during this era.

The 80s Influence on Character Development

The 1980s not only provide a historical context but also shape the characters’ personalities and choices.

• Lily Bloom: A Product of Her Time: Lily, born in 1967, is a young woman navigating the complexities of love and relationships in a decade marked by evolving societal norms. Her experiences are shaped by the prevailing attitudes towards women, relationships, and personal growth. Her determination to forge her own path and break free from societal expectations is a testament to the spirit of independent women in the 1980s.
• Ryle Kincaid: The 80s Male Archetype: Ryle, born in 1965, embodies a certain 80s male archetype: driven, ambitious, and sometimes emotionally distant. His success in his career reflects the prevailing values of the era, while his struggles with emotional vulnerability and communication resonate with the complexities of masculinity during this time.
• The Character of Atlas Corrigan: Atlas, Lily’s first love, represents a different side of the 80s, embodying the ideals of kindness, empathy, and genuine connection. His character serves as a foil to Ryle, highlighting the contrasting approaches to love and relationships that existed within the era.

The 80s Aesthetic: A Visual and Emotional Tapestry

The novel’s setting is not merely a backdrop; it is woven into the narrative through specific details that evoke the visual and emotional landscape of the 1980s.

• The Music: The soundtrack of the 1980s, with its iconic pop, rock, and synth-pop hits, serves as a powerful tool for evoking emotions and setting the tone for specific scenes. The use of music creates a nostalgic atmosphere and underscores the characters’ emotional states.
• The Fashion: The 1980s fashion, with its bold colors, geometric patterns, and power dressing, is subtly referenced throughout the novel. The characters’ attire, particularly Lily’s, reflects the era’s trends and contributes to their visual identity.
• The Atmosphere: The novel captures the visual and emotional atmosphere of the 1980s, from the bustling city streets of Boston to the cozy interiors of Lily’s flower shop. The use of specific details, such as vintage furniture, neon signs, and bustling cafes, transports the reader to a bygone era.

The Enduring Impact of the 1980s

The 1980s influence in It Ends With Us goes beyond mere nostalgia; it serves as a powerful tool for exploring timeless themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of trauma. The societal backdrop, the character development, and the aesthetic choices all contribute to the novel’s emotional resonance and its ability to connect with readers across generations.

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FAQs

Q: Why is the setting of It Ends With Us important?

A: The 1980s setting in It Ends With Us is crucial for several reasons. It provides a historical context that shapes the characters’ experiences, beliefs, and values. The societal shifts and cultural trends of the era, such as the rise of the yuppie culture and the AIDS epidemic, influence the narrative and contribute to the emotional depth of the story.

Q: How does the 80s influence character development?

A: The 1980s backdrop plays a significant role in shaping the characters’ personalities and choices. Lily’s experiences as a young woman navigating the complexities of love and relationships in a decade marked by evolving societal norms are central to her character arc. Ryle’s success in his career and his struggles with emotional vulnerability reflect the prevailing values and complexities of masculinity during this time.

Q: What are some examples of the 80s aesthetic in It Ends With Us?

A: The novel incorporates several elements of the 1980s aesthetic, including the music, fashion, and overall atmosphere. The use of iconic 80s pop and rock songs creates a nostalgic atmosphere and underscores the characters’ emotional states. The characters’ attire, particularly Lily’s, reflects the era’s trends and contributes to their visual identity. The novel also captures the visual and emotional atmosphere of the 1980s through specific details, such as vintage furniture, neon signs, and bustling cafes.

Q: How does the 80s influence the themes of It Ends With Us?

A: The 1980s setting amplifies the novel’s exploration of timeless themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of trauma. The societal backdrop, the character development, and the aesthetic choices all contribute to the novel’s emotional resonance and its ability to connect with readers across generations.

Tips for Reading It Ends With Us

• Pay attention to the historical context: Understanding the societal and cultural trends of the 1980s will enhance your appreciation for the novel’s themes and character motivations.
• Note the use of music: The soundtrack of the 1980s plays a significant role in setting the tone and evoking emotions. Pay attention to the songs mentioned and how they contribute to the narrative.
• Consider the characters’ attire: The characters’ clothing reflects the fashion trends of the era and can offer insights into their personalities and social standing.
• Engage with the 80s atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the visual and emotional landscape of the 1980s by paying attention to the specific details and imagery used in the novel.

Conclusion

It Ends With Us is a powerful story that transcends time and resonates with readers across generations. The 1980s influence, woven subtly throughout the narrative, adds depth and complexity to the characters, themes, and overall atmosphere. By understanding the historical context, the character development, and the aesthetic choices inspired by this era, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the novel’s emotional impact and its enduring relevance.

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