Landscape in Middle English Romance: The Medieval Imagination and the Natural World

The ecological crises of our time urge us to explore the historical roots of our perceptions of human-environment relationships, as seen in Middle English romances written during the Little Ice Age in Britain. These romances reflect popular vernacular literature's perspectives on the natural world and reveal widespread concern about the harmful effects of human actions and climate change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The pressing ecological crises of our time demand a comprehensive exploration of how contemporary media shapes our perceptions of human relationships with the environment. It is essential to delve into the historical roots of these perspectives to gain a deeper understanding. During the onset of the Little Ice Age in Britain, Middle English romances offer a captivating glimpse into the worldviews of popular vernacular literature and its audiences during the late Middle Ages. In his insightful work, Andrew M. Richmond demonstrates how literary conventions of romances were shaped by and, in turn, influenced contemporary perspectives on the natural world. These popular texts also shed light on widespread concerns regarding the detrimental effects of human actions and climate change.

The natural world played a central role in the writing, thoughts, and lives of the audiences and authors of medieval English romance. Through close readings of these texts, it becomes evident that our environmental concerns extend far into our history and culture than previously believed. The romances of this period reflect a deep reverence for the natural world, with landscapes and animals often serving as symbols of virtue, beauty, and the divine. However, they also reveal a recognition of the human impact on the environment, with tales of ecological destruction and the consequences of human actions.

One notable aspect of these romances is their portrayal of the relationship between humans and nature. They often depict humans as both conquerors and protectors of the natural world, with heroes and heroines engaging in battles against evil forces and preserving the environment for future generations. However, they also highlight the destructive nature of human greed and exploitation, with characters who abuse their power over nature or exploit the resources of the land for personal gain.

The romances of the Middle Ages also offer valuable insights into the cultural and societal attitudes towards the environment at the time. They reflect the changing attitudes towards nature and the role of humans in the natural world over centuries. For example, some romances depict a more harmonious relationship between humans and nature, with humans respecting and valuing the natural world and living in harmony with it. Others, however, depict a more exploitative and destructive relationship, with humans treating the natural world as a resource to be exploited and controlled.

In conclusion, the ecological crises of our time compel us to examine the historical genealogies of our perspectives on human relationships with the environment. Middle English romances provide a fascinating window into the worldviews of popular vernacular literature and its audiences during the late Middle Ages. Through close readings of these texts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between humans and nature and the cultural and societal attitudes towards the environment at different times. By recognizing the historical roots of our environmental concerns, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the natural world for future generations.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 235 x 159 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108831499