How did courtly romances break down the virgin/whore dichotomy ?
Correct answer: B. they redefined women as attainable vs unattainable, rather than virgin vs whore
- A. they deemphasized the importance of chastity
- B. they redefined women as attainable vs unattainable, rather than virgin vs whore
- C. they indicated that women's sexual conduct should not be classified by men
- D. they rarely explored issues of sexuality, love, or romance
Explanation
Courtly romance often presented women through the contrast between attainable and unattainable love, rather than simply dividing them into virgins and whores. This more complex model made female desire and sexual status central to the narrative.
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