FAVOURITE HEROINES OF FICTION.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 20, 11 August 1894, Page 7

FAVOURITE HEROINES OF FICTION.

Perhaps foremost amongst the favourite heroines of fiction is the tall, dark, dashing woman, generally described as possessing a handsome figure, splendidly developed bust, and a softly-rounded waist; a graceful carriage and a haughty poise of head, which is crowned with thick masses of dark hair, with “ a peculiar purplish tinge ” in it; features beautifully regular, and large, dark eyes, with “ grand possibilities hidden in their luminous depths.” This type of heroine, with unlimited capabilities of loving generally, has the misfortune to misplace her affections, usually centreing “ her young life’s devotion ” upon some unworthy object. If the darkeyed heroine has been provided with a firm chin and rather thin lips, we know, -without looking at chapter four, that after numerous exhibitions of jealousy, anger, and even murder, the “ unworthy object ” will find the dark-eyed heroine cold and stiff, a small empty phial by her side, also a nte containing the one word—• “Forgive.” Another favourite heroine is described as a “ daughter of the gods, divinely tall and most divinely fair.” This heroine has thick waving masses of richest auburn hair, the most perfectly oval-shaped face, faultless complexion, slightly retrozisse nose, large “ deeply darkly blue eyes,” fringed with long, curling eyelashes eyes that have a trick of looking so appealingly at one. This type always has “ sweet tremulous lips” of cherry ripeness. This heroine, to put it vulgarly, is never “jilted,” her sweet, angelic disposition, coupled with a dread of possible breach of promise case,- always prevent her lover from doing anything shabby in the jilting line. This young lady is never expected to know anything of household -duties, domestic trials or worries. On being introduced to the reader she is found idly swinging in her hammock or reclining gracefully amid the long, clovery grass, blowing daisies to the tune of “ He loves me, loves me not.” But the charm of the “ dolce far niente” all too soon passes away, and our heroine awakes to find herself forced to marry “ the other mam ” to save her family from social ruin. This she passively does, but immediately afterwards gently subsides into a decline, later on into a nearly grave. In rare cases we find the heroine sent into the world of fiction labelled ugly. But to counterbalance her plainness in looks she has the cleverest brain and keenest wit of her sex. Her charm of manner and grace of movement leave nothing to be deshred. This type of heroine’s life is one “ long triumphant career.” She enchants and

enslaves all her beautiful rival’s most attentive swains, and finally winds up by marrying the most eligible parti of the season, and henceforth her delightful “at homes ” are at once the centre of attraction and the envy of all her fair acquaintances. K. C. (To be continued.)