“The Meaning of Romance”: Popular Song and Historical Narrative from Arthurian Literature to American Graffiti

What is it about?

The word romance, which first derived from the medieval stories of King Arthur, reached modern cinema through the novel, but, more significantly, through songs, particularrly old popular songs. Since the days of the troubadours songs played a key role recreating the emotions involved in romantic ideals: an ideal world of true lovers and adventure. Hollywood discovered early the evocative effect of incorporating "golden oldies" to film stories, and American Graffiti was no doubt a turning point, with its nostalgia for a younger age expressed by the old songs as much as by the story of its characters. After Lucas's film many other movies would use old rock hits to express their feelings for an innocent age, much like the Arthurian golden age. In so doing, films are actually recreating a medieval idea still contained in the meaning of romance.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The article offers an unusual perspective on history, which is based on morphology rather than causality, and which relates different periods and genres, both musical and narrative, through the the word romance and its connection with song. It thus suggests connections which had seldon been explored in the same way, and offers new insights into the actual meaning of "romance" through time. Additionally, it is a contribution to the concept of medievalism.

Perspectives