4. Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester

Charlotte Brontë's novel depicts the love between orphan Jane Eyre and her wealthy employer, Edward Rochester. During their wedding ceremony, Jane discovers that Rochester is already married – to an insane woman who he was apparently tricked into marrying. When Rochester's wife commits suicide, he and Jane are finally reunited and even begin a family, showing the strength of their love.

5. Robin Hood and Maid Marian

The adventures of legendary English hero Robin Hood were first told in Medieval ballads and are more recently the subject of films, television programs and even cartoons. Maid Marian is portrayed differently in the many varying Robin Hood stories, but she is always shown as Robin Hood’s true love, making them truly great literary lovers.

6. Tarzan and Jane

Tarzan is a character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs in the novel Tarzan of the Apes and its many sequels. He is an infant from an aristocratic family who is marooned in Africa and brought up by apes. Tarzan and the young American Jane who he loves so deeply are great literary lovers because their love is so unlikely, yet so strong.