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Medieval Romance Notes
Definition • The medieval definition of romance is different than its meaning today. When we hear the word romance today, we think of Titanic, Nicholas Sparks, and love songs. However, during the Middle Ages, romance (romanz) referred to languages, especially French, derived from Latin (or language spoken by the Romans).
Romance… • Initially, the word romance was used to distinguish between real literature, which was written in Latin, and stories written in the vernacular, which was written in French. Consequently, the word romance when applied to medieval romances means the story contains characteristics associated with French writings.
Romantic • When the word romantic is applied to a medieval narrative such as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, we assume that the story will include a knight who embarks on a quest or adventure. In other words, a medieval romance closely resembles an adventure story.
Other elements • Other elements of a medieval romance include fictitious events that are marvelous or even supernatural. The story may be written in verse, like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, or the story may be written in prose like Marlory’sLe MorteD’Arthur. Surprisingly, a medieval romance does not need to include a love interest even though many of them do.
Definition • Medieval romances are stories of adventure in which the chief parts are played by knights, famous king, or distressed ladies, acting most often under the impulse of love, religious faith, or, in many, mere desire for adventure. The stories were first told in verse, but when, later, prose versions were made, they were also called romances. In length the verse romances vary from a few hundred lines to tens of thousands...” (qtd. in Glenn para. 7).
Elements of a Medieval Romance In short, a medieval romance is usually characterized by the following: 1. an idealization of chivalry 2. an idealization of the hero/knight and his noble deeds 3. a knight’s love for a lady 4. imaginary or vague settings 5. mystery and suspense / supernatural elements 6. a concealed or disguised identity 7. repetition of the mystic number 3 or multiples of 3.
The knight of a medieval romance will have the following characteristics: • a great hero whose birth is shrouded in mystery • ignorance of his real parents • for a time, his true identity may be unknown • he meets an extraordinary challenge before claiming his honor • his triumph benefits his nation or group
