This thesis argues despite third and fourth-wave feminist attempts to dismantle hegemonic patriarchal, and classist structures of power, these oppressions remain vital to the romance genre, from the eighteenth century to the present. The genre often utilizes patriarchy and classism to foster suspense and imperil its heroines, yet ultimately, these structures of power are meant to be accepted and seen as reflecting true love. With this in mind, I conclude by highlighting the inclusion of BIPOC and LGBT+ communities in mainstream society to suggest more productive avenues for the genre to explore in the future. (9)