Glossary

12.2 Medievalism in Romantic and Victorian Literature

7 min read•august 1, 2024

in Romantic and Victorian literature revived interest in the Middle Ages, influencing genres, themes, and styles. Authors used medieval elements to explore contemporary issues, critique society, and evoke a sense of mystery and beauty.

This literary movement reflected broader cultural trends, including nationalism, industrialization, and a reaction against Enlightenment ideals. It shaped the development of historical novels, narrative poetry, and children's literature, leaving a lasting impact on literary traditions.

Medievalism in Literature

Defining Medievalism

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  • Medievalism refers to the study, interpretation, and reimagining of the Middle Ages in post-medieval cultures, particularly in literature, art, and architecture
  • Involves the incorporation of medieval themes, motifs, and styles into 19th-century works, often with a nostalgic or idealized view of the past
  • Manifestations include the revival of medieval genres (ballads, romances), the use of medieval settings and characters, and the exploration of chivalric ideals and
  • Romantic and Victorian authors used medievalism to critique contemporary society, contrasting the perceived simplicity and nobility of the Middle Ages with the complexities and challenges of their own time

Manifestations in Romantic and Victorian Literature

  • Revival of medieval genres such as ballads (e.g., 's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"), romances (e.g., ' "The Eve of St. Agnes"), and (e.g., Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "Idylls of the King")
  • Use of medieval settings and characters to explore contemporary issues, such as the role of women, the nature of heroism, and the conflict between individual desire and societal expectations
  • Incorporation of medieval themes and imagery to evoke a sense of mystery, beauty, and otherworldliness (e.g., 's "Goblin Market")
  • Adaptation and transformation of medieval literary works to suit the authors' artistic and ideological purposes (e.g., ' "The Defence of Guenevere")

Medievalism's Resurgence

Reaction Against the Enlightenment

  • Resurgence of interest in medieval themes was partly a reaction against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and progress
  • Romantic and Victorian authors sought to reconnect with a more imaginative and emotionally resonant past
  • Medieval revival influenced by the popularity of the novel in the late 18th century, which sparked a fascination with the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre elements associated with the Middle Ages

Nationalism and Cultural Roots

  • Rise of nationalism in the 19th century led to a renewed interest in each country's medieval heritage
  • Authors and artists sought to celebrate and reinterpret their nation's cultural roots through the lens of medievalism
  • Examples include the revival of Arthurian legends in Britain (e.g., Tennyson's "Idylls of the King") and the interest in Norse sagas in Scandinavia (e.g., William Morris' translations)
  • Medievalism provided a means of asserting national identity and pride in a rapidly changing world

Industrialization and Nostalgia

  • Increasing industrialization and urbanization of society during the Romantic and Victorian eras created a sense of disconnection from nature and the past
  • Nostalgic yearning for the perceived simplicity and authenticity of medieval life, seen as a contrast to the complexities and challenges of the 19th century
  • Medievalism offered an escape from the pressures of modern life and a way to reconnect with a more harmonious and fulfilling existence
  • Examples include the of medieval craftsmanship and the romanticization of rural life in the works of John Ruskin and William Morris

Accessibility of Medieval Texts

  • Publication of medieval texts and the growth of medieval scholarship in the 19th century made the Middle Ages more accessible to Romantic and Victorian authors
  • Translations and editions of medieval works provided new sources of inspiration and material for their own literary creations
  • Examples include Thomas Percy's "Reliques of Ancient English Poetry" (1765) and the work of the Early English Text Society, founded in 1864
  • Increased accessibility of medieval texts facilitated the incorporation of medieval themes, motifs, and styles into Romantic and Victorian literature

Reinterpreting the Medieval

Adapting Medieval Genres

  • Romantic and Victorian authors adapted and transformed medieval literary genres to suit their own artistic and ideological purposes
  • Ballads, romances, and epics were reimagined and updated to reflect contemporary concerns and sensibilities
  • Examples include Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," which draws on the ballad form to explore themes of guilt, redemption, and the supernatural
  • John Keats' "The Eve of St. Agnes" adapts the medieval romance to create a sensuous and psychological narrative of love and desire

Exploring Contemporary Issues

  • Medieval settings and characters used as a means of exploring contemporary social, political, and moral issues
  • Role of women, the nature of heroism, and the conflict between individual desire and societal expectations were common themes
  • Examples include Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "," which uses the Arthurian legend to examine the position of women in Victorian society
  • 's "The Bishop Orders His Tomb at Saint Praxed's Church" employs a medieval setting to critique the corruption and materialism of the Catholic Church

Reinterpreting Medieval Texts

  • Some authors drew on specific medieval texts as the basis for their own poetic and prose works, reinterpreting and expanding upon the original material
  • Arthurian legends and Norse sagas were popular sources of inspiration
  • Examples include Tennyson's "Idylls of the King," which retells the story of King Arthur and his knights, and William Morris' "The Earthly Paradise," which adapts Norse and Greek myths
  • Reinterpretations often reflected the authors' own artistic, political, and moral concerns, as well as the cultural and social context of the 19th century

Evoking Mystery and Beauty

  • Medieval themes and imagery used to evoke a sense of mystery, beauty, and otherworldliness in poetry and prose
  • Examples include John Keats' "La Belle Dame sans Merci," which draws on the medieval motif of the enchantress to create an atmosphere of haunting beauty and danger
  • Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market" employs medieval-inspired imagery and symbolism to explore themes of temptation, sisterhood, and redemption
  • Medievalism provided a means of transcending the limitations of everyday reality and accessing a realm of imagination and wonder

Social Commentary and Critique

  • Victorian authors used medievalism as a vehicle for social commentary and critique, contrasting the perceived values and virtues of the Middle Ages with the shortcomings and inequalities of their own society
  • Examples include William Morris' "A Dream of John Ball," which uses a medieval peasant revolt to criticize the injustices of Victorian capitalism
  • 's "Past and Present" compares the medieval monastic system with the industrial present, arguing for a return to a more spiritually fulfilling way of life
  • Medievalism provided a lens through which to view and critique the rapidly changing social, economic, and political landscape of the 19th century

Medievalism's Literary Impact

Development of the Historical Novel

  • Medieval revival played a significant role in the development of the historical novel
  • Authors such as (e.g., "") and Victor Hugo (e.g., "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame") used medieval settings and events as the backdrop for their narratives
  • Historical novels combined fictional characters and plots with detailed descriptions of medieval life, customs, and architecture
  • Popularity of the genre reflected a growing interest in the past and a desire to understand the roots of contemporary society

Rise of the Pre-Raphaelite Movement

  • Medievalism contributed to the rise of the Pre-Raphaelite movement in art and literature
  • Pre-Raphaelites sought to recapture the spirituality, sincerity, and attention to nature that they associated with medieval culture
  • Examples include the paintings of and , which often depicted medieval subjects and themes
  • Pre-Raphaelite poets such as Christina Rossetti and William Morris drew on medieval forms and imagery to create a new style of poetry that emphasized sensuality, symbolism, and emotional intensity

Influence on Romantic Poetry

  • Influence of medieval ballads and folk tales can be seen in the work of Romantic poets such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge
  • Wordsworth's "Lyrical Ballads" sought to create a more natural and spontaneous style of poetry, drawing on the simplicity and directness of medieval ballads
  • Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Christabel" incorporate elements of medieval supernaturalism and mysticism to explore the darker aspects of the human psyche
  • Medievalism provided a means of rejecting the artificiality and conventionality of 18th-century poetry and embracing a more authentic and imaginative mode of expression

Development of Victorian Narrative Poetry

  • Victorian poets such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Robert Browning drew on medieval themes and forms to create a new kind of narrative poetry
  • Dramatic monologues, psychological depth, and moral complexity were characteristic features of this new style
  • Examples include Tennyson's "Idylls of the King" and "Maud," which use Arthurian legend and medieval romance to explore the complexities of love, duty, and identity
  • Browning's "The Ring and the Book" employs a medieval murder case to create a multi-perspectival narrative that examines the nature of truth, justice, and human motivation
  • Medievalism provided a rich source of inspiration for Victorian poets seeking to expand the boundaries of poetic form and content

Impact on Children's Literature

  • Medieval revival had an impact on the development of children's literature in the 19th century
  • Authors such as (e.g., "The Princess and the Goblin") and (e.g., "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland") incorporated medieval elements into their fantastical and allegorical tales
  • Medieval-inspired settings, characters, and themes provided a means of engaging children's imaginations and conveying moral and spiritual lessons
  • Popularity of these works reflected a growing recognition of the importance of childhood and the value of imaginative literature in the
  • Medievalism continues to influence children's literature to this day, with authors such as and drawing on medieval sources to create beloved classics of the genre

Key Terms to Review (31)

Alfred Lord Tennyson: Alfred Lord Tennyson was a prominent British poet who served as Poet Laureate during much of Queen Victoria's reign. His works often reflect themes of medievalism, exploring chivalry, honor, and the complexities of human emotion. Tennyson's poetry drew inspiration from medieval legends, particularly the Arthurian tales, merging them with the Romantic ideals of his time.
C.S. Lewis: C.S. Lewis was a renowned British writer and scholar, best known for his works of fiction and Christian apologetics, including 'The Chronicles of Narnia' and 'Mere Christianity.' His writings reflect a deep engagement with medieval themes and ideas, bridging the gap between medieval literature and modern thought, while also exploring the interplay of Christian and pagan influences in storytelling.
Chivalry: Chivalry refers to the medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social codes of conduct. It emphasized values such as bravery, honor, loyalty, and respect for women, deeply influencing literature, culture, and the ideals of heroism during the medieval period.
Christina Rossetti: Christina Rossetti was a prominent English poet of the Victorian era known for her lyrical and devotional poetry, as well as her exploration of themes such as love, death, and the divine. Her work often reflects medieval influences, drawing on religious imagery and traditions while also engaging with the emerging aestheticism of her time.
Courtly love: Courtly love is a medieval European literary concept that idealizes romantic love, often characterized by chivalric devotion, secret admiration, and the pursuit of unattainable women. This notion shaped the culture and themes of the time, influencing various literary genres, character development, and social norms around relationships and gender roles.
Dante Gabriel Rossetti: Dante Gabriel Rossetti was a British poet, painter, and translator, and a key figure in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, which emerged in the 19th century. His works are marked by a deep appreciation for medieval themes, aesthetics, and literary influences, bridging the gap between Romanticism and Victorian ideals. Rossetti's contributions to both literature and art reflected a revival of medievalism that sought to capture the beauty and complexity of earlier artistic expressions.
Epic poetry: Epic poetry is a lengthy narrative poem that often details the extraordinary feats and adventures of heroic figures, typically embodying cultural values and themes significant to a society. This genre is important in understanding various literary forms and genres, as well as the thematic explorations of heroism, loyalty, and fate that define many medieval works.
George MacDonald: George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet, and theologian, recognized as a pioneer of modern fantasy literature. He is often credited with influencing the genre significantly, particularly through his works that blend elements of fairy tales and spiritual themes, which laid the groundwork for later writers like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. MacDonald's narratives frequently explore themes of morality, redemption, and the spiritual journey, often reflecting the ideals of medievalism that resonated during the Romantic and Victorian eras.
Gothic: Gothic refers to a style that emerged in the late Middle Ages, characterized by its emphasis on architecture, literature, and art that evoke feelings of horror, mystery, and the sublime. This style often incorporates themes of the supernatural and the macabre, drawing from religious and cultural contexts that explore human emotion and morality. Its influence stretches into later literary movements, where the aesthetics and themes of Gothic literature reflect societal anxieties and fascinations.
Idealization: Idealization is the process of representing something in an ideal or perfect form, often emphasizing positive qualities while downplaying or ignoring flaws. In literature, particularly in Romantic and Victorian works, idealization often manifests in the portrayal of characters, settings, and themes that reflect an elevated or romanticized vision of reality.
Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution was a period of major industrialization that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, characterized by a shift from agrarian economies to industrialized and urban ones. This transformation brought about significant social, economic, and technological changes that influenced literature and culture, including a revival of medieval themes and aesthetics in Romantic and Victorian literature as a response to rapid modernization.
Ivanhoe: Ivanhoe is a historical novel written by Sir Walter Scott, published in 1819, which is set in medieval England during the reign of King Richard I. The story follows the adventures of the titular character, Wilfred of Ivanhoe, as he navigates themes of chivalry, social class, and nationalism in a romanticized depiction of the Middle Ages. This novel is a quintessential example of how Romantic and Victorian literature embraced medievalism, using the past to comment on contemporary societal issues.
J.R.R. Tolkien: J.R.R. Tolkien was an English writer and philologist, best known for his high fantasy works, including 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings.' His deep appreciation for medieval literature heavily influenced his writing, where he drew on themes from both Christian and pagan traditions, embedding these ideas into richly developed mythologies that reflect the cultural complexities of the past.
John Everett Millais: John Everett Millais was a British painter and one of the founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, established in 1848. His works often drew inspiration from medieval themes, which significantly influenced the representation of medievalism in Romantic and Victorian literature. Millais' art is characterized by its detailed realism and emotional depth, often portraying historical and literary subjects that resonate with the romantic ideals of his time.
John Keats: John Keats was a prominent English Romantic poet known for his vivid imagery, emotional depth, and exploration of beauty and mortality. His works reflect the Romantic fascination with nature, emotion, and the medieval past, often drawing on themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life. Keats's poetry exemplifies medievalism in literature by revisiting historical and mythical subjects, showcasing a blend of romantic imagination with a yearning for a perceived golden age.
Lewis Carroll: Lewis Carroll was the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, an English writer, mathematician, and logician best known for his whimsical and fantastical tales, particularly 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and 'Through the Looking-Glass'. His works embody elements of medievalism by blending Victorian sensibilities with playful logic and nonsensical elements that hark back to medieval literature's fascination with dreamlike quests and fantastical beings.
Medievalism: Medievalism refers to the revival and reinterpretation of the Middle Ages in later cultural contexts, characterized by an idealization of medieval art, literature, and societal structures. This concept often serves as a lens through which modern creators reflect on themes of chivalry, romance, and myth, connecting contemporary works with the values and aesthetics of the medieval period.
Nostalgia: Nostalgia is a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, often idealizing it as a simpler or better time. This feeling can evoke emotions associated with personal memories or cultural heritage, and it frequently influences literature by creating a contrast between the past and the present, highlighting themes of loss, change, and identity.
Pastoral: Pastoral refers to a literary mode that idealizes rural life and landscapes, typically focusing on shepherds and their interactions with nature. This term embodies themes of simplicity, harmony, and the beauty of the countryside, contrasting with the complexities of urban life. In various literary forms, pastoral works often explore the emotional and philosophical aspects of human experience in relation to nature.
Robert Browning: Robert Browning was a prominent Victorian poet known for his dramatic monologues and innovative use of language. His work often reflects themes of love, morality, and the complexity of human emotions, drawing inspiration from historical and literary figures. Browning's poetry exemplifies the influence of medievalism in the Victorian era, as he frequently incorporated medieval settings and characters into his works.
Romantic ballad: A romantic ballad is a narrative poem that tells a story, often focused on themes of love, adventure, and the supernatural, blending emotional expression with traditional storytelling. These ballads are characterized by their lyrical quality and often reflect the ideals of the Romantic era, emphasizing nature, individualism, and emotion over reason.
Romanticism: Romanticism is an artistic and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature. This movement emerged as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and often focused on themes of spirituality, heroism, and a deep connection to the past. It sought to explore the inner self and reflect on the human experience, which connects deeply with religious devotion and medieval themes.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge: Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, literary critic, and philosopher who played a pivotal role in the Romantic movement during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His works often drew on themes from medieval literature, reflecting a fascination with the past, folklore, and the supernatural, which connects to the broader trend of medievalism in Romantic and Victorian literature.
Sir Walter Scott: Sir Walter Scott was a Scottish historical novelist, playwright, and poet known for popularizing the genre of historical fiction in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His works often drew upon medieval themes, legends, and settings, making him a key figure in the movement of medievalism during the Romantic and Victorian eras. His ability to blend history with romance and adventure set the stage for later writers who sought to capture the spirit of the Middle Ages.
The Crusades: The Crusades were a series of religious wars initiated by European Christians from the late 11th to the late 13th centuries, aimed primarily at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim rule. These conflicts had profound effects on medieval society, influencing literature, culture, and the relationship between Christianity and Islam.
The knight: A knight is a mounted and armored soldier in the medieval period, often associated with the chivalric code that emphasized values such as bravery, honor, and loyalty. Knights played a vital role in the feudal system, serving as vassals to lords in exchange for land and protection. This concept of knighthood not only influenced military tactics but also became a cultural ideal that shaped social commentary and character representations in literature.
The Lady of Shalott: The Lady of Shalott is a character from Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem, who is cursed to live in isolation and weave a tapestry without looking directly at the outside world. This story explores themes of artistic creation, love, and the constraints of society, reflecting a romanticized view of the medieval era during the 19th century. The character embodies the struggle between reality and fantasy, representing the idealized vision of women in Victorian literature while also hinting at their oppression.
The maiden: In medieval literature, the term 'the maiden' often refers to a young, virtuous woman who embodies ideals of purity, innocence, and beauty. This archetype frequently appears in romantic and chivalric narratives, representing not only the object of desire for male characters but also serving as a catalyst for their quests and adventures. The maiden's role highlights themes of love, honor, and the societal expectations placed on women during the medieval period.
Thomas Carlyle: Thomas Carlyle was a Scottish philosopher, essayist, and historian active during the 19th century, known for his works that explored themes of heroism, culture, and social responsibility. His writings had a significant influence on the Romantic and Victorian literary movements, particularly in their depiction of medievalism and the valorization of history and myth. Carlyle's blend of historical narrative with philosophical reflection contributed to a renewed interest in the medieval past during a time of rapid industrial change.
Victorian Era: The Victorian Era refers to the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, characterized by significant industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military changes in the United Kingdom. This era is often associated with a strict moral code and a focus on family values, as well as the flourishing of literature that drew upon medieval themes, reflecting a fascination with the past.
William Morris: William Morris was an influential British designer, artist, writer, and socialist who played a crucial role in the Arts and Crafts Movement during the 19th century. He sought to revive traditional craftsmanship and promote a return to medieval aesthetics in art and design, reflecting his deep admiration for the medieval period's values of beauty and handcraft. Morris's work not only encompassed textiles, wallpapers, and furniture but also extended to literature, where he drew inspiration from medieval themes and narratives.
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