Studies in Medieval English Romances

Interest in the literary form of romance has greatly increased over the past few years and begins to equal that of tragedy. Romance is seen as a potent model of life equal but opposite to tragedy. The modern widespread realization that art at its most powerful is not necessarily a direct realistic 'imitation' or 'mimesis' of ordinary life, together with the accompanying interest in fantasy, folktale and sceince fiction, have all opened out new vistas of literary experience. Medieval literature is particularly full of interesting and powerful romances. The stories of Tristan and Lancelot go echoing down the ages. But there are many more English romances once neglected or despised which it can now be seen are of special interest. The medieval English romances form a vital link in the chain of English literary experience from the 13th century to Shakespeare and beyond. They can be approached and enjoyed in many different ways. The following essays, introduced by Derek Brewer's essay on 'Escaping from the Mimetic Fallacy', explore in detail single medieval English romances (with a side glance at French and also modern English fantasy) taking individual examples of poems to make a variety of points. The concluding essay shows how Shakespeare himself is the inheritor and in some ways the culminating figure in the traditions of medieval romance. Contributors: DEREK BREWER, DEREK PEARSALL, ANNE SCOTT, T.A. SHIPPEY, CLAUDE LUTTRELL, CHRISTOPHER WRIGLEY, BARRY WINDEATT, TERENCE McCARTHY, JULIE BURTON