MEDIEVAL ROMANCE Explained 101

Introduction

This tutorial aims to provide a clear understanding of the medieval romance genre, its features, and its significance in literature. By breaking down the key components, etymology, classification, and notable examples, readers will gain a comprehensive overview of this fascinating genre.

Step 1: Understand the Definition of Medieval Romance

• Medieval romance is a narrative genre that often involves tales of chivalry, adventure, and love.
• It typically centers around noble heroes and their quests, often featuring elements of the supernatural.
• The stories are usually set in a fictionalized version of the medieval period.

Step 2: Explore the Etymology of Romance

• The term "romance" comes from the Latin word "romanicus," which means "of the Romans."
• Initially, it referred to stories written in the vernacular languages derived from Latin, as opposed to classical Latin texts.
• Over time, it evolved to signify tales of chivalric adventures and courtly love.

Step 3: Identify Key Features of Medieval Romance

• Chivalric Code: Central to the genre, emphasizing honor, bravery, and loyalty.
• Supernatural Elements: Often includes magical creatures, enchanted objects, or divine interventions.
• Courtly Love: A recurring theme where love is idealized and often unfulfilled, highlighting the tension between desire and duty.
• Quests and Adventures: Protagonists usually embark on journeys that test their character and resolve.

Step 4: Classify Different Types of Medieval Romance

• Breton Lay: Short, narrative poems that often involve supernatural elements and themes of love.
• Matter of Britain: Stories focusing on King Arthur and his knights, emphasizing chivalric ideals.
• Matter of France: Narratives centered on the heroism of Charlemagne and his knights.
• Matter of Rome: Tales derived from classical Roman stories, reinterpreted in a medieval context.

Step 5: Examine Notable Examples of Medieval Romance

• "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight": A tale of bravery and honor, featuring Sir Gawain's quest to confront the mysterious Green Knight.
• "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer: Contains various tales, including those that reflect the ideals of romance.
• "Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart": A narrative exploring the themes of love and betrayal through the character of Lancelot.

Conclusion

Medieval romance is a rich literary genre that reflects the values and ideals of its time. Understanding its definition, etymology, key features, classifications, and notable examples will deepen your appreciation for these narratives. For those interested in exploring this genre further, consider reading the highlighted works or researching additional medieval romances to experience the intricate blend of adventure and love.