Romantic Literature And The Romantic Hero

Romantic Literature and the Romantic Hero “A Romance” was originally term used to describe a medieval tale dealing with the loves and adventures of kings, queens, knights, and ladies, and included unlikely or supernatural happenings. These were most popular throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. One of the most famous romances is the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. In a more general sense, a romance is any work of imaginative literature that is set in an idealized world and that deals with heroic adventures and battles in which brave heroes or heroines struggle against evil villains or monsters. The conflict in a romance is almost always one of good versus evil. Often the heroes and heroines in a romance are aided by magic, such as a magical sword or a magical ring. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an example of a modern romance. A movie that uses all the traditional elements of romance and sets its action in a world of startling technological (magical) achievements is Star Wars. Features of a Medieval Romance: A romance is a long medieval narrative (prose or poetry) which tells of the adventures and heroic exploits of chivalric heroes. 1. Adventure- usually of knights and chivalry, not of the common, ordinary people 2. Unrealistic setting- usually in idealized worlds; imaginary castles, gardens and forests 3. Mysterious, magical and supernatural events 4. Hero or Heroinea. larger than life b. vision of the world as a more perfect place than what we inhabit c. thought of as young and idealistic d. virtues of courtesy, self-control, intelligence, wit, imagination and vision e. linked to natural world; live close to nature, life is simple and uncluttered f. usually physically strong g. embody nobler virtues of human civilization h. often appear like gods, having mysterious and magical origins i. special powers which they want to share with others j. leaders whose actions bring good to their people—teach us what the best humans can be like and what they can do for their people. 5. Good versus Evil CHIVALRY: a code that the knights followed to attain honor which includes… 1. Fight bravely 2. Defeat enemies 3. Fight fairly, courteous 4. Help friends in trouble 5. Associate with honorable people 6. Be loyal

7. Protect women 8. Courtesy to women 9. Keep your word 10. Be Truthful 11. Have Courage 12. Generous to inferiors

A Timeline of King Arthur Authors Celts

Oral tradition about Dux Bellorum (War Lord) who pushed the invading Saxon army (from Germany) from England protecting the Celts

Nennius 817

Wrote the legend in Latin

Geoffrey of Monmouth

Added 15 year old king, Merlin and Gwenevire

Wace

French; Added the Round Table to the Legend

Chretienne de Toyes

French; Added Lancelot and designed the downfall to include the love triangle among Gwenevire, Lancelot and Arthur

Sir Thomas Mallory 1470

15th Century Knight; Wrote Le Morte d’Arthur; Instilled an order and virtue knighthood never had. Portray Arthur as a Christian Knight.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson 1860

Victorian, Poet Laureate for Queen Victoria; wrote Idylls of the King, in which Arthur is morally superior- A Christian Victorian King Arthur.

T.H. White 1938-1958

The Once and Future King; Modern portrayal of Arthur as hero; Theme is might for right.