The Romance of the Rose

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 1230

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Study Guide

Before You Read Beta

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-5

Chapters 6-8

Chapters 9-12

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools Beta

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

The Romance of the Rose features multiple allegorical figures offering their views on love, gender, and sexuality. How does the use of multiple viewpoints affect the exploration of the text’s key themes and ideas?

How does the text explore gender dynamics? How are masculinity and femininity represented? How does the text reflect, or question, gender roles and/or stereotypes common at the time?

How does the use of setting vary between de Lorris’s portion of the book and de Meun’s? Does the characterization and description of the Garden of Pleasure change? What does this tell us about their perspectives and approach to the story?