Though commonly regarded as a narrative poem, may not the “Romance of the Rose ” be more properly described as an allegorical drama? It is in truth written much after the manner of the sacred dramas known as “Mysteries,” but deals with secular instead of sacred matters. In this respect it appears to stand alone in medieval literature.
The principal characters in the drama are:—
1. The Dreamer, afterwards called the Lover.
2. The God of Love.
3. Fair-Welcome.
4. The Friend.
5. Danger.
6. Reason.
7. Franchise.
8. Pity.
9. Courtesy.
10. Shame.
11. Fear.
12. Idleness.
13. Jealousy.
14. Wicked-Tongue.
15. Venus.
The second part introduces the characters of:—
16. Richesse.
17. False-Seeming.
18. Hypocrisy.
19. Nature.
20. Genius.
The author acts as a sort of chorus, explaining the action from time to time in both parts.
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