Medieval Drama and Theater Courtly Love and Romance

Cultural Background What images are evoked by the term Medieval or the Dark Ages? Often, we think of knights, damsels, dragons, dreary castles, the crusades, plagues, death, war... a very dark, dank and dismal existence. Yet, learning, literature, ideals of chivalry, and true love came out of this period. From this period the idea of romance as we know it developed. Secret rituals of love developed. We call this Courtly Love.

Cultural Background During the Medieval Period, women were often treated like property. They had few rights. Country marriages were often the result of love, but the noble and rich classes considered marriage a business transaction. Passionate love was considered sinful until the 11 th and 12 th centuries. Women found champions to fight for their namesake and their love. These champions, often knights, would fight in their name and for their honor.

Cultural Background Thus, the idea of “a knight in shinning armor” developed out of this medieval, romantic movement as well as the idea for a woman to feel and be treated like a princess/queen by her champion. The notion of romance (courtly love) has given the world some of the most famous medieval poetry. The term courtesy is derived from courtly love.

Examples of Courtly Love Romances blossomed in the 12th century from authors such as Chretien de Troyes and Marie de France. Some stories, like Galaeran, deal with star-crossed lovers who eventually find happiness together. Military themes can be found in tales such as Joufroi, where a knightly hero has both amorous and martial adventures.

Examples of Courtly Love In tales of Courtly Love, the knight owned allegiance to his Lord (King or another type of noble, i.e. Baron) and a service of love to his Lord’s Lady (the Queen, or another noble, i.e. Baronet or Duchess). This love and loyalty to the court would spur the Knight to great deeds of heroism. The Code of Chivalry was at its heart. Normally, the love for the Lady was only platonic (friendship), and many times the Lady was unaware of the love of the Knight.

Examples of Courtly Love The idea of a romantic marriage and romantic love between husband of wife in the Medieval Period was a radical notion. Many marriages were arranged for wealth, business transaction, lines of succession, and political reasons. So the stories of Courtly Love were an allegory for what real love could be. It was what an ideal marriage should be: based on genuine love, friendship, trust, loyalty and honor.

Examples of Courtly Love Medieval audiences were infatuated with this topic of real love, honor, and loyalty. Stories of Courtly Love provided guidance and reinforced acceptable behavior for young men. They should treat their wives with respect and genuine love, and be honorable at all times. Chivalry and eventually the idea of a gentleman evolved from these notions.

Ah, Courtly Love Can you think of examples of Courtly love in books, TV series, and movies?

Examples of Courtly Love in Modern Media

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