Romance

Lore & Background

The word romance derives from the Latin Romanus, meaning 'Rome' or 'Roman.' After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Latin adverb Romanice came to mean 'in the vernacular,' identifying languages derived from Latin. In Old French, this became romans or romanz, referring both to the language and to works composed in it. During the Middle Ages, romans/romanz took on a meaning as a type of narrative verse about chivalry and love, called chivalric romance. Some of the earliest literature with themes considered 'romantic' in a modern sense was written by French troubadours, often exploring unrequited love and the worship of a lady. Poets like Chrétien de Troyes composed works exemplifying courtly love, and Andreas Capellanus wrote The Art of Courtly Love. The French word romans was anglicized into romance, and initially the term romantic love referred to the attitudes and behaviors of courtly love.

Reader's Guide

The concept of romantic love has significantly influenced Western culture, particularly through the literary tradition of courtly love and chivalric romance. This tradition involved themes of elevating the status of the woman, passionate suffering, and separation, and it continues to shape modern attitudes toward love. In the social sciences, romantic love is used to refer to the idealization of a love relationship, with beliefs in a 'soul mate' or 'one true love' that will last forever and overcome all obstacles. This is contrasted with rational, practical love. Critics like Stanton Peele have argued that the romantic cultural ideal can underlie unhealthy extremes such as love addiction and limerence. In psychology, romantic love is considered a motivation or drive distinct from attachment. The philosopher Arthur Lovejoy noted that the word 'romantic' has come to mean so many things that, by itself, it means nothing. People who experience little to no romantic attraction are referred to as 'aromantic.'

Did You Know?

• The philosopher Arthur Lovejoy wrote that 'The word "romantic" has come to mean so many things that, by itself, it means nothing.'
• People who experience little to no romantic attraction are referred to as 'aromantic.'
• The term romantic love initially referred to the attitudes and behaviors of courtly love, which originated from troubadour poetry.
• Collins Dictionary defines romantic love as 'an intensity and idealization of a love relationship, in which the other is imbued with extraordinary virtue, beauty, etc., so that the relationship overrides all other consid