Courtly love

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Courtly love is a medieval European literary conception of love that emphasized nobility and chivalry. It originated in the High Middle Ages and was practiced by the nobility and knights of the time. The concept of courtly love was characterized by the adoration of a noble lady from afar, often unattainable, and the lover's devotion to her.

Origins and Development

Courtly love emerged in the 12th century in the courts of Aquitaine, Provence, Champagne, and Burgundy. It was heavily influenced by the troubadours and trouvères, who were poets and musicians that composed and performed songs about chivalric and courtly themes. The concept was further popularized by the works of Andreas Capellanus, particularly his treatise De Amore.

Characteristics

Courtly love was marked by several key characteristics:

• **Nobility**: The lovers were typically of noble birth.
• **Secrecy**: The love affair was often kept secret.
• **Adultery**: The love was usually extramarital, as marriages were often arranged for political or economic reasons.
• **Chivalry**: The lover would perform acts of chivalry and bravery to win the lady's favor.
• **Idealization**: The lady was idealized and placed on a pedestal, often seen as a paragon of virtue and beauty.

Literary Examples

Courtly love is a central theme in many medieval literary works. Some notable examples include:

• Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart by Chrétien de Troyes
• The Romance of the Rose by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun
• Tristan and Iseult

Influence on Later Literature

The concept of courtly love had a profound influence on later literature, including the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, Dante Alighieri, and William Shakespeare. It also played a significant role in the development of the romance genre.

Criticism and Decline

By the late Middle Ages, the concept of courtly love began to decline. Critics argued that it was unrealistic and promoted immoral behavior. The rise of Renaissance humanism and changing social norms also contributed to its decline.

See Also

• Chivalry
• Medieval literature
• Troubadour
• Romance (genre)