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disCussion PromPtsthe appealThe film opens with this line: “every four seconds, a harlequinromance is sold somewhere in the world.” in your view,what is the appeal of these books? What do you learn fromthe film about why these books are so popular?What do you do for escape or pleasure? how does your enjoymentof that activity compare with the reasons given bythe women in the film for their love of romance novels? hereare some of those reasons:“There was a lot missing in my life and that’s why ienjoyed reading the books,” says shirley.The books are filled with excitement—no down time.everyone wants passion. if a partner doesn’t provide it,it’s sought somewhere else.Stephen at a photo shootPhoto courtesy of Julie Mogganhiroko’s husband, seiich, says, “My wife often asks me to saynice words to her like in the novels. But i can’t really saythese words, so i think it’s okay that she reads to compensatefor what i can’t give her.” Why do you think he has troubletalking like the men in the novels and why do somewomen like the language of the novels so much?stephen says, “We’re all yearning for love.” in your view, doharlequin books satisfy that yearning?DISCUSSION GUIDeGuilty Pleasures|12
disCussion PromPtsthe GenreWhat is the distinction between fantasies involving romanceand other fantasy worlds with popular appeal (e.g., onlinegames or star Trek conventions)? What is the function offantasy in our lives?The film includes lots of “racy” passages from harlequin romances.What is the difference between romance novelssold in mainstream retail outlets and pornography, which isavailable only in adult retail outlets?in the film, we find out that author Gill sanderson is, in fact,a middle-aged single man named roger. Did that surpriseyou? Does it matter who actually writes the books?roger says, “Women are more interested in relationshipsand in talking about relationships than men. Women like tobe told things, over and over again.” in your experience, isthis true? how do the designs and marketing of romancenovels reflect and reinforce this belief about women?roger explains the romance formula, saying that in everybook, readers have “learned something about themselvesand about love.” What types of things do youRoger, who writes under the pseudonym Gill SandersonPhoto courtesy of Julie Mogganthink they learn? What are the primary messages of harlequinromances? how do the values embedded in those messagescompare to the values you would hope to convey toyoung people?the effectsshirley’s husband, Phil, says, “oh, she likes reading, but it’s aharmless pastime.” Do you agree? are harlequin romancessimply inconsequential fantasies?hiroko says, “after i’d been reading them a long time, iwanted to experience my harlequin dream world in reality.”What role did the novels play in influencing the real-life decisionsof the women in the film? What actions did they taketo bring their fantasies to life?reflecting on her failed marriage, shumita asks, “What happenedto all the promises these books made to me?” at whatDISCUSSION GUIDeGuilty Pleasures|13
Page 3 and 4: tabLe of ContentsCredits4 Introduct
Page 5: PotentiaL Partnerskey issuesGuilty
Page 10 and 11: aCkGround informationSelected Peopl
Page 14 and 15: disCussion PromPtspoint does health
Page 16 and 17: Taking ActionHiroko and Seiich comp
Page 18: ResouRcesTo order Guilty Pleasures

Discussion GuiDe - PBS

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