Romance

Definition

Romance refers to a literary genre that emphasizes adventure, chivalry, love, and the heroic deeds of noble characters, often set against a backdrop of fantastical or idealized settings. This genre flourished in Middle English literature, reflecting societal values and cultural ideals during the period, particularly through tales of knights and their quests.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The romance genre became prominent in the 12th century with tales of Arthurian legends and knightly adventures, reflecting the values of chivalric culture.
2. Middle English romances often featured a quest narrative where the hero faced trials that tested their virtue and bravery.
3. Many romances include elements of the supernatural, such as magical beings or enchanted objects, emphasizing the genre's connection to fantasy.
4. Romantic narratives were frequently told in verse form and included lyrical passages that expressed emotions and desires.
5. The genre was instrumental in shaping concepts of masculinity and femininity during the Middle Ages, often placing women in roles that highlighted their virtues and challenges.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of chivalry intersect with the themes found in Middle English romances?
  • Chivalry is central to the themes of Middle English romances as it defines the moral framework within which knights operate. Romances depict knights as upholders of chivalric values, showcasing their courage, honor, and dedication to protecting the weak. The challenges faced by these knights often serve to highlight their adherence to this code, demonstrating how romance narratives not only entertain but also reinforce societal ideals surrounding masculinity and duty.
• Analyze how the theme of courtly love influences character relationships in Middle English romance literature.
  • The theme of courtly love profoundly shapes character relationships in Middle English romances by creating dynamics where love is both an aspiration and a source of conflict. Characters often engage in idealized relationships that are filled with longing, obstacles, and unfulfilled desires. This portrayal not only emphasizes emotional depth but also critiques social norms regarding love and marriage during the period. Courtly love typically places women on pedestals, thus complicating their agency within these narratives.
• Evaluate how Middle English romances contribute to our understanding of historical social values and norms regarding gender roles during that period.
  • Middle English romances offer critical insights into historical social values and norms regarding gender roles by illustrating both idealized portrayals and underlying tensions between male and female characters. These narratives often celebrate male heroism while simultaneously presenting women as figures who inspire or challenge these heroes. The depiction of courtly love presents a complex view of femininity where women are celebrated for their virtues yet constrained by societal expectations. Analyzing these romances reveals how they both reflect and shape contemporary understandings of gender roles within medieval society.

Related terms

Chivalry: A code of conduct associated with the medieval knightly system, emphasizing virtues like bravery, honor, and respect for women.

Courtly Love: A medieval European literary conception of love that emphasized nobility and chivalry, often characterized by unattainable and idealized romantic relationships.

Epic: A lengthy narrative poem, typically detailing heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation, often embodying the values of its society.