The English Romance in Time: Transforming Motifs from Geoffrey of Monmouth to the Death of Shakespeare

Exploring the transmission of romance motifs from the Middle Ages to the print era, this work highlights how themes like quests, magic, and passionate heroines permeated literature. By the sixteenth century, these stories were widely recognized, influencing both the educated and the illiterate. Notable figures such as Spenser and Shakespeare built upon this rich tradition, reflecting its impact on society, including monarchs and rebels, thereby shaping a shared cultural narrative.