Medieval Romance Literature
Medieval Romance—a long narrative in verse or prose originating in
the Middle Ages. Its main elements are adventure, love, and
_____________.
Essential Questions
What makes the
heroes of these
narratives unique?
What makes the
plot of these stories
unique?
Elements of Medieval Romance Literature
1. Noble hero or heroes (of high birth or social status)
2. Presence of the ________________ or mysterious
(unlike ordinary life)
3. Code of ___________ (usually chivalry)
4. Daring __________ (usually as a test of honor)
5. Far away ____________ (time and/or place)
6. Events and characters come in sets of ___ or ___
(sometimes 12 or 40)
7. Quest for __________ and/or adventure
8. Simple and inevitable _________ (usually happilyever-after)
9. A light-hearted ________
Summary of the characteristics or elements of Medieval Romance Literature
Essential Questions
Where did
Medieval Romance
Literature begin?
History and Background of Medieval Romance
Literature
 Romance Literature began in Northern __________
with the French speaking Normans
 These tales were brought to England with
_________ ___ ________
 The tales were originally written in French and
_________, and they were eventually translated
into English
How did the
narratives get their
titles?
 The original Romances were set in lands all over
the world and named for the country in which they
were set. A tale set in the Orient would then be
part of the genre entitled “The ________ of the
__________.”
 The most popular of the genre were set in
__________, and knows as “The Matter of
____________.” They featured tales of Sir
Gawain, King _______, and his round table.
 These tales are _____________ and NOT realistic.
The heroes, the settings, the gallant love, and
simplistic endings take readers ______ the
confinements of _____________ life.
Summary of the background of Medieval Romance Literature