o what did the word “roman,” from which the genre of “Romance” emerged, initially apply?

• A. A work derived from a Latin text of the Roman Empire
• B. A story about love and adventure
• C. A Roman Official
• D. A work written in the French vernacular

That’s right! The answer is B. A story about love and adventure.

Here’s why:

• The word “roman” in Old French originally referred to vernacular narratives that dealt with themes of love, chivalry, and adventure. These stories were often set in historical or legendary times, frequently featuring knights, damsels in distress, and fantastical elements.
• Over time, the term “romance” evolved to encompass these themes in literature, regardless of the language it’s written in.

Let’s explore why the other options are incorrect:

• A. A work derived from a Latin text of the Roman Empire: While some Romances might have drawn inspiration from classical texts, the genre wasn’t directly limited to works derived from Latin sources.
• C. A Roman Official: This meaning doesn’t connect to the themes or subject matter of the “Romance” genre.
• D. A work written in the French vernacular: This is partially true. While many early Romances were written in French, the term originally referred to the content (love, adventure) rather than the language itself. Stories with similar themes could be Romances even if written in other languages.