Hot times in the old days

Medieval Romance

A romance is an adventure tale that features…extravagant charactersexotic placesheroic eventspassionate lovesupernatural forces.

Expresses ideals of chivalry.

The stories were meant to entertain as well as convey the medieval values of loyalty and Christian Faith

The Romance

The Romantic HeroThe Romantic Hero

is a knight of superhuman strength, intelligence, and virtue who follows the code of chivalry.

ChivalryThe code of chivalry

required that a knight…Swear allegiance to his lordFight to uphold ChristianitySeek to redress all wrongHonor truth by word and

deedBe faithful to one ladyAct with bravery, courtesy,

and modesty

The QuestThe Hero of a romance often

proves his worth by undertaking a quest or journey for love, religious faith or desire for adventure.

There are many obstacles that must be overcome on the quest.

Exotic SettingRomances are set in

imaginary kingdoms with…Great castlesEnchanted lakesForests of giants and

monsters

Supernatural ElementsSorcerers and magic

spells, giants and dragons, mysterious evil forces, and knowledge of future events all play a part in romances.

Hidden IdentitiesIn a romance, others

are often unaware of a character’s true identity.

The truth is usually revealed at the climax of the tale.

Episodic StructureRomances are not

tightly structured; characters simply go from one adventure to the next.