Question

practice
romances are narratives based in fantasy that tell of strange, sometimes supernatural events in exotic settings. medieval romances are adventure stories that feature kings, knights, and damsels in distress and tell of quests, battles, and doomed love. the best-remembered romances concern king arthur and his knights. medieval romances are characterized by themes of love and honor in a blend of realism and fantasy.

read the passage, and then answer the questions.

sir william was perhaps the greatest knight who ever lived. his courage, strength, and skill with arms made him a hero known throughout the land. this is the tale of how sir william went on a quest to slay the great dragon—a beast most foul and evil that terrorized the land—to win the hand of a fair princess.

1. what clues indicate that this is the introduction to a medieval romance?
2. what themes will this story most likely address?
3. what aspects of this story seem realistic?
4. what aspects of this story seem fantastic?

Explanation:

1. It includes core medieval romance elements: a heroic knight (Sir William), a dangerous quest, a supernatural beast (dragon), and a fair princess (damsel figure), matching the definition of medieval romances.
2. Based on the passage's medieval romance structure and the earlier definition, it will focus on the core themes of love (for the princess) and honor (the knight's quest).
3. The existence of skilled, celebrated knights, the idea of political/social recognition for heroic deeds, and the concept of seeking a noble's hand in marriage are grounded in medieval social realities.
4. The presence of a giant, evil, land-terrorizing dragon is a supernatural, fictional element typical of fantasy.

Answer:

1. It features a heroic knight (Sir William), a dangerous quest, a supernatural dragon, and a fair princess—all core elements of medieval romances as defined.
2. The story will most likely address the themes of love (for the fair princess) and honor (Sir William's quest to defeat the dragon).
3. Realistic aspects include the existence of skilled, renowned knights, the social recognition of heroic warriors, and the practice of seeking a noble's hand in marriage.
4. Fantastic aspects include the presence of a large, evil, land-terrorizing dragon, a supernatural beast that does not exist in reality.