n the 12th century, literacy among women increased. Although literacy in Latin was still somewhat limited to specific social classes, literacy in local vernacular languages was increasingly common. Eleanor of Aquitaine established the city of Poiters as a center for a literary movement focused on the art of courtly love. The troubadour and the female counterpart, the trobairitz, used poetry to share stories of romantic longing and unattainable love.

This poetry represents the beginning of written expressions of love in the way romantic love continues to be perceived today. As the poetry of the troubadour or trobairitz was recorded, it was written in the vernacular of the day. In fact, the word 
romance derives from the word 
romans, the old French term for the vernacular language specific to the region. Having poetry and prose in the vernacular of the people allowed a much wider audience to access this romantic literature.

Initial Post: Write 100 words within the Discussion Board responding to the following questions. Create a substantive and clear post expressing your research, thoughts, and ideas:

• Discuss common characteristics of romantic or courtly love poems.
• What are your reactions to these expressions romantic love?
• Does the content of the poetry surprise you in any way?

Please be sure to include academic sources to support your information.