The genre of romance, primarily recognized for its exploration of chivalry, emerged in France during the mid-12th century. Its origins can be traced back to numerous prose compositions from antiquity, particularly the Greek romances. However, as a distinct literary form, romance was cultivated within the aristocratic courts, with notable patrons such as Eleanor of Aquitaine. The term ‘romance’ is derived from the Old French word “romanz,” which originally referred to the language of the common folk, transitioning to signify the works crafted in this vernacular tongue.
An early example of this evolution is found in Wace of Jersey’s adaptation of Geoffrey of Monmouth’s “Historia regum Britanniae,” titled “Li Romanz de Brut,” dating back to 1155. This transition indicates a gradual shift in meaning from simply denoting the French version of a tale to encompassing the narrative itself, which ultimately led to the broader applications of the term. Over time, “roman” in modern French became synonymous with a novel, regardless of its narrative style, while “romance” in contemporary English has come to describe both medieval narratives and love stories, often highlighting idealized relationships filled with unexpected twists.
Understanding the trajectory of this literary form requires a historical insight into its development since the Middle Ages.
Component Elements of Romance
Romances encapsulating themes of love, chivalry, and adventure from 12th-century France find parallels in earlier works, notably the prose narratives of ancient Greek authors. The earliest known Greek romance, the fragmented “Ninus romance,” recounts the tale of love involving Ninus, the mythical founder of Nineveh, heralding the medieval ‘roman d’antiquité.’ Other notable authors from the 2nd and 3rd centuries, like Chariton and Heliodorus, introduced themes of separated lovers, a motif that reemerges in later works.
An essential connection is evident in the tale of Apollonius of Tyre, which surfaces in its Latin version and shares similarities with other stories through its theme of love interrupted by various predicaments, culminating in a reunion. This tale, notable for its enduring popularity, eventually influenced Shakespeare’s creative endeavors, specifically in “Pericles.”
Style and Subject Matter
The connection between 12th-century romance and classical antiquity extends beyond mere storytelling. Scholars have increasingly recognized the influence of late classical traditions on the cultural fabric of medieval Europe, particularly regarding the significance of rhetoric in the educational sphere of the Roman Empire. This rhetorical framework evolved from its initial design for public oratory into a literary technique by the late 12th century.
The romance “Roman de Thebes,” alongside others like “Roman d’Enéas” and “Roman de Troie,” exemplifies this stylistic intertwining. Each narrative focuses on intricate descriptions that elevate the storytelling experience through lavish portrayals of wealth, architecture, and technological wonders reminiscent of antiquity. Moreover, these romances delve into the emotional struggles of love, echoing Ovid’s interpretation of love as a complex affliction. Such exploration of characters’ feelings through rhetorical devices marked a significant development in narrative technique, allowing authors to engage with their characters’ motivations and emotions in unprecedented ways.
Developing Psychological Awareness
W.P. Ker noted the significance of romance in the evolution of literature, likening its impact to the Renaissance’s transformative consequences. Unlike the earlier chansons de geste, which presented straightforward narratives, romantic literature engaged deeply with character motivations and emotional intricacies, enabling a thorough examination of states of mind.
The narrative of Troilus and Briseïs in Benoît de Sainte-Maure’s “Roman de Troie” illustrates this shift from mere adventure stories to examinations steeped in psychological depth, capturing the attention of literary greats like Boccaccio and Chaucer. This new style of nuanced analysis heralded the emergence of the analytical techniques observed in modern novels.
Sources and Parallels
The origins of narrative material for medieval romance writers remain a topic of debate among scholars. Some parallels, such as the famous story of Tristan and Iseult, are found across diverse cultures, including ancient Persian and Irish tales. While genetic links between these traditions can be argued in certain instances, others may represent parallel evolutions driven by similar thematic elements and socio-cultural contexts.
Fostering a clear understanding of these distinctions is crucial for appreciating the true nature of medieval romance, which has spurred a vast body of critical literature that varies in relevance to the genre’s study.
