Week 4

Question 1

Romance genre in general

Answer 1

More than just romance as it is now
Idealistic stories (Ideals govern plot, characters are only agents)
More interested in ethics and morals than heroics
Super-Human ideals (supernatural)
Higher-ness of ideals (symbolic logic, not realistic)

Question 2

Characteristics of romance (5)

Answer 2

1. Larger world (heightened reality)
2. Everything is laden with symbolic significance (Special features and ordinary aspects)
3. Idealistic (virtues in action)
4. Happy endings
5. Special narrative logic (Completely unrealistic)

Question 3

Epic

Answer 3

epic was most popular genre in early Middle Ages
Epic celebrates hero who redeems his ppl in their hour of need against insurmountable odds in physical fights
Epic ideals: leader and followers, mutual relationship, everlasting glory
Form: alliterative verse and long poems

Question 4

Romance in Middle ages (what happened)

Answer 4

Higher Middle Ages 1100-1300
Normans introduce feudalism (hierarchie)
Stable courts develop
Differences: Less fighting + Christ’s army/crusades + other activities

Question 5

Chivalry

Answer 5

Special code of conduct for knights
Prowess in battle
Ritualised battle
Trouthe
Curteisie
Humble
Defending the poor and vulnerable
Marian devotion