Origins and history of Romance

The definition of Romance as a literary genre: An overview of what makes a work a Romance, including its themes, settings, characters, and style.

The history of the term Romance: The origins of the word "Romance" and when it was first used to describe a specific genre of literature.

The influence of medieval literature: How stories like Tristan and Isolde or Arthurian legends influenced Romance literature.

The chivalric code: The set of values and behaviors that were expected of knights and how they shaped the ideals of love and honor in Romance.

Courtly love: The concept of courtly love and how it influenced the portrayal of romantic relationships in Romance literature.

The impact of the troubadours: The troubadours were poets and musicians who wrote and performed songs about love and courtly relationships, which became a key part of the Romance genre.

The development of the Romance novel: The evolution of the genre from its early forms to the modern Romance novel.

Regional variations of Romance: The unique characteristics of Romance literature in different regions, such as Italy, France, and Spain.

The impact of the printing press: How the invention of the printing press led to the spread of Romance literature and the rise of popular Romance novels.

The role of women in Romance: How female authors and heroines shaped the genre and how Romance has been criticized for its portrayal of women.

The influence of Classical literature: How works from ancient Greece and Rome, such as the Trojan War and the Aeneid, shaped the themes and characters of Romance literature.

Religious influences on Romance: How Christianity and other religions influenced the moral and spiritual themes of Romance literature.

Contemporary debates about Romance: Current discussions around the genre, including debates over its literary value, the impact of its portrayal of love and relationships, and its representation of diversity and inclusivity.

Cross-genre influences: How Romance has influenced and been influenced by other genres, such as fantasy, science fiction, and erotica.

The future of Romance: Current trends and predictions for the future of the genre, including the rising popularity of indie and self-published Romance novels, and the potential impact of new technologies and platforms on Romance literature.

Medieval Romance: Medieval Romance refers to the literary genre that was popular during the 11th to 15th centuries in Europe. It describes tales of chivalry, courtly love, and adventure that often involved knights and damsels in distress.

Arthurian Romance: Arthurian Romance is a sub-genre of medieval romance that focuses on the legends and adventures of King Arthur and his knights of the round table.

Courtly Romance: Courtly Romance describes a type of medieval romance that focuses on the romantic relationships between knights, chivalry, and courtly manners, often with an unattainable lady as the object of affection.

Renaissance Romance: Renaissance Romance refers to the literary genre that emerged during the 16th and 17th centuries in Italy and France. It was characterized by the revival of classical forms, the use of pastoral settings, and the exploration of human emotions.

Gothic Romance: Gothic Romance refers to a type of literature that emerged in the late 18th century and was popularized in the 19th century. It emphasized elements of horror, the supernatural, and mystery, often set in medieval or ancient settings.

Romanticism: Romanticism emerged during the late 18th century and early 19th century in Europe in response to the Enlightenment. It emphasized human emotions over reason, individuality over conformity, and the appreciation of nature.

Contemporary Romance: Contemporary Romance refers to romance novels that are set in modern times and written for a contemporary audience. They often explore themes of love, relationships, and personal growth.