Literature of the Middle Ages 1066 1485 History

Literature of the Middle Ages 1066— 1485

History and Influences of Romance Literature – The word romance comes from the Old French word, romanz, meaning the vernacular, or language of the people. Medieval Romance effectively combines ancient heroic epics, mysticism of Jewish and Muslim writers, Christian theology, and Celtic, Norse, Persian and Greco-Latin myths and stories in one place.

Conventions of Medieval Romances: • Often have unprovoked and violent fighting! • Are set in a mystical place and time (the Dark Ages) • Present supernatural elements, and magical powers from the pagan world • Have a hero who is on a noble adventure or quest • Have a loose, episodic structure • Include elements of courtly love • Time frame of a year and a day • Embody ideals of chivalry

Chivalric Code and Introduction to Courtly Love The chivalric code combined Christian virtues with military virtues: • Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice • Faith, Hope, Charity • Valor and strength in battle • Loyalty to God and King • Courtesy towards enemies • Generosity towards the sick, women, widows and the oppressed • Courtly Love

What happened to Chivalry? • Finally, knighthood became simply an honor, and those eligible for it today can skip the military bit. • Today, knights can be just regular people who have done something special. The honor is used for notable artists and other doers of good deeds, men and women alike. • Knighted folks include: Paul Mc. Cartney, Judi Dench, Laurence Olivier, and former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight