ENGLISH LITERATURE UPTO 1590 – MIDDLE ENGLISH ROMANCES
Middle English Romances (1066-1590)
The Middle English romance flourished between the 12th and 15th centuries as one of the most popular secular genres of medieval literature. Emerging after the Norman Conquest, these verse and prose narratives blended French chivalric traditions with English storytelling, creating tales of adventure, love, and heroism that captivated aristocratic and common audiences alike.
Characteristics and Themes
Middle English romances typically featured:
Chivalric ideals – Knights embarked on quests to prove their courage, loyalty, and virtue (e.g., Sir Gawain and the Green Knight).
Courtly love – A refined, often unattainable love between a knight and a noble lady (e.g., Tristan and Isolde).
Supernatural elements – Magic, dragons, and fairy-tale motifs enriched the narratives.
Christian and moral undertones – Many stories intertwined piety with adventure, such as the Grail legends.
Major Romances
Arthurian Romances – The most influential cycle, including:
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (14th c.) – A masterpiece of alliterative verse, testing chivalry and honor.
Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur (1485) – A prose compilation of Arthurian legends.
Matter of England – Native heroes like Havelok the Dane and King Horn reflected English identity.
French-inspired Romances – Adaptations like The Romance of the Rose and Floris and Blancheflour introduced continental elegance.
Legacy
Middle English romances laid the groundwork for Renaissance literature, influencing Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene and later English fiction. Their blend of fantasy, morality, and adventure continues to inspire modern fantasy and historical storytelling.