Elements of the Medieval Romance

ELEMENTS OF THE MEDIEVAL ROMANCE

Sir Thomas Malory’s tale (King Arthur) and the story of Gawain are romances, a form of literature popular throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. Certain features characterize the medieval romance:  A romance is about the adventures of knights and the institution of chivalry. Romances are concerned with the exploits of kings, queens, and knights – not with the common, ordinary people.  A romance does not take place in a realistic setting, but in idealized worlds – in imaginary castles, gardens, and forests. (No one in a romance has to worry about the price of potatoes or catching a cold.)  A romance contains mysterious, magical, and supernatural events.  A romance hero or heroine is braver, nobler, and more honorable than an ordinary human. Often the hero or heroine has the use of magic or other extraordinary powers.  A romance hero or heroine will often put on a lowly disguise to conceal his or her true identity.  A romance hero or heroine is often motivated by romantic love.  A romance pits the forces of good against the forces of evil.  Nearly every medieval romance ends in slaughter, death, failure, or disappointment.

THE PENTANGLE KNIGHT

 The pentangle is a star-shape that has no beginning and no end, representing an endless cycle.  The pentangle also stands for perfection and balance  The pentangle is called a "token of truth"  Gawain’s shield has the pentangle on it because he is to be a model of knightly perfection.  What the Gawain’s pentangle symbolizes: o Faultless in his Five Senses – free of sin . sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste o In his Five Fingers he failed at no time . he is dexterous and able in combat o Faith in the Five Wounds Christ received on the cross . one in each limb and the spear wound in the abdomen o Five Joys the Virgin Mary had in Jesus . These are not listed in the poem, but are offered as background: Annunciation, Nativity, Resurrection, Ascension, and Assumption o The Five Knightly Virtues . generosity, brotherly love/fellowship, purity, chivalry/courtesy, compassion/piety

The poet insists on elaborating on Gawain’s model of perfection. Could the poet be insinuating that these goals are impossible to maintain?