Romance: An Exploration of Its Origins and Evolution
Romance, a literary genre distinguished by its exploration of chivalric themes, emerged in France during the 12th century. Its roots can be traced back to various prose narratives from classical antiquity, often referred to as Greek romances. However, it gained its own identity within the context of the aristocratic courts, particularly under patrons like Eleanor of Aquitaine. The term “romanz” in Old French initially denoted the vernacular language spoken by the people, derived from the Latin “Romanice,” which meant written in the common tongue. Over time, the term transitioned from signifying the language to encompassing the narrative form itself. For instance, Wace of Jersey’s adaptation of Geoffrey of Monmouth’s work was titled “Li Romanz de Brut,” while another unnamed adaptation of Virgil’s Aeneid was called “Li Romanz d’Enéas.” Initially, it was unclear if “li romanz” referred to “the French version” or simply “the story,” but it evolved to mean the latter, shaping the narratives that followed.
The Development of Romance
The concept of romance, particularly concerning themes of love, adventure, and chivalry, has parallels in other cultures, notably with the Greek romances, which feature prose narratives from Greek authors dating from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD. One notable example, the fragmentary “Ninus romance,” tells the mythological tale of Ninus, the creator of Nineveh, foreseeing the romanz d’antiquité of medieval times. The narratives of the 2nd and 3rd centuries, penned by authors such as Chariton and Heliodorus, frequently depict lovers separated by various circumstances, only to be reunited after enduring numerous tribulations. A direct link is established in the story of Apollonius of Tyre, likely derived from a lost Greek narrative but recognized through its Latin adaptations. This tale, characterized by its themes of separation and reunion, resonated widely during the Middle Ages and influenced later works, including those by Shakespeare.
Style and Subject Matter
The influence of classical antiquity on 12th-century romance extended beyond thematic content. Scholars have increasingly recognized the impact of late antiquity on medieval culture, especially in France. One critical aspect was the significance of rhetoric—once focused on public speaking—becoming a notable literary tool in the education system left behind by the Roman Empire. After merging with grammar studies, rhetoric played a vital role in shaping the romance genre.
The artisans of romance—known as “clerks”—were educated in the cathedral schools, mastering both literacy and rhetorical skills. This “romance style,” which emerged around 1150-65, is exemplified in three notable works: “Roman de Thebes,” “Roman d’Enéas,” and “Roman de Troie.” These narratives showcase interconnected style and substance, employing elaborate descriptions that adorn and enrich the narrative. Their settings are often depicted with opulence, featuring lavish gold, silver, and textiles. Additionally, they explore love through the lens of Ovid’s poetical interpretations, introducing early portrayals of lovers’ emotional upheaval.
Psychological Depth and Character Development
W.P. Ker noted the substantial shift in storytelling brought about by romance, comparing its impact to that of the Renaissance. Unlike the older epics, where heroes acted without deeper motivations, romance authors scrutinized characters’ actions and their underlying reasons for such decisions. Take, for instance, the story from “Chanson de Roland,” in which the hero makes an unwavering decision to persevere in battle without seeking further justification from the narrative.
Romance built upon this foundation by employing methods that delved into characters’ motivations and emotional experiences. This evolution is notable in the tale of Troilus and Briseïs, crafted by Benoît de Sainte-Maure and later adapted by renowned authors such as Boccaccio and Chaucer. The penetrating psychological themes in these stories hint at the analytical approaches found in modern novels.
Sources and Influences
The sources from which medieval romance writers drew remain a topic of debate. Similarities between well-known narratives, such as that of Tristan and Iseult, emerge across various cultures, including Persian and Irish literature. For example, connections can be observed in the Persian epic “Wis and Ramin” and the Irish tale “Diarmaid and Gráinne.” While one may argue for direct influences, the other showcases instances of parallel evolution due to the interplay of thematic logic and shared cultural contexts.
Maintaining a clear distinction between sources and parallels is crucial to understanding medieval romance, as confusion between the two has led to complex critical discussions, where the relevance to the genre’s study is often questionable.
