1) Who was the real King Arthur?

The real identity of king Arthur is unknown. There are some evidences he was a Romanized Celt: a Celtic leader named Artorius who fought and won against some Anglo-Saxon tribes.

2) What are the common characteristics of a Medieval Romance?

Medieval romances are characterized by an idealization of the hero/knight, the values he represents, his deeds and love. Their settings are imaginary/vague and contain supernatural elements to raise the sense of mystery and suspense.

3) What are the characteristics of the “hero-knight” in romances?

His birth is surrounded by mystery, he has been taken away from his birthplace and family when he is very young, so he couldn’t know his real identity. Then, he discovers the truth (he belongs to aristocracy) and has to complete a great quest or challenge. When he succeeds, his triumph benefits his nation or group. The hero/knight dedicates his deeds to the lady he loves.

4) Name three modern stories that can be considered romances.

Star Wars (the first trilogy), the adventures of Superman or Batman, and Indiana Jones. Also The Lord of the Rings.

5) What are the “10 Commandments of the Code of Chivalry” and “The Code of Chivalry” and how did they guide a knight’s life and behaviour?

The “10 Commandments of the Code of Chivalry” are the compendium of all the characteristics a Knight had to have and the behaviours they had to follow in order to be real knights. They included the principle of the service to God, his lord, and his lady over everything else. “The Code of Chivalry” is a wider set of rules and duties the knight had to follow: they include the defense of the weak, the honesty, the respect towards all the human beings (also the enemies).

6) What is courtly love? & What is it NOT?

Courtly love is being completely and constantly possessed by the thought of his/her beloved. It is free from the bond of the marriage and more it is kept in secret more it lasts. The lovers must respect each other, not to lie, and respect a period of two years of widowhood when the other one dies. The real courtly love is suffered and who loves has to be jealous and can not deny anything to his/her beloved.
Courtly love is the not the one originated by the marriage.