Medieval Literature

An Introduction to Type-Scenes
1. Auflage 2024
ISBN: 978-1-032-43958-7
Verlag: Routledge

Buch, Englisch, 244 Seiten, Format (B × H): 157 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 512 g

This is the first book-length exploration of the type-scenes of western medieval literature from the ninth to the fifteenth centuries, spanning both the Latinate and Germanic traditions. Type-scenes are the recurring, stock scenes comprising the basic structure and cognitive guidance for narrative. These formulaic scenes enabled medieval poets to express originality while honoring tradition. Central to medieval poetic invention, type-scenes form the vital “internal organs” of narrative, each serving a specialized function while working in concert with other organs to create and sustain the story. This accessible and engaging guide to medieval type-scenes consists of three parts: Part I is a compendium of the type-scenes commonly found in medieval narrative, including analyses of examples from individual poems. Part II explores combinations of type-scenes within single works of literature for purposes of chronology, characterization, or virtuosity. Part III examines how a single type-scene manifests across multiple poems, adapting to a variety of settings and periods, while maintaining its original intent. This volume kindles in scholars, teachers, and students alike a new and refreshing awareness of the foundational narrative strategies of medieval literature.

Zielgruppe

Postgraduate, Undergraduate Advanced, and Undergraduate Core

Autoren/Hrsg.

Battles, Dominique

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Literaturwissenschaft Europäische Literatur

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction

Part One: A Compendium of Type-Scenes of Medieval Literature Arming of the Hero Beasts of Battle Blason Catalog of Warriors Conciliar Debate Contending Throng Council of the Gods Crowd of Onlookers Dawn Song Ekphrasis Epic Descent Descent into the Underworld (katabasis) Disguise and Infiltration Exile Flyting Hero on the Beach Inventio Joy in the Hall Lady with the Mead Cup Loathly Lady Encounter Locus Amoenus Magic Ring Open Heavens Outlaw Gathering Paraclausithyron Rash Promise Scop’s Repertoire Sleeping After the Feast Teichoscopia Traveler Recognizes His Goal Wise Woman

Part Two: Type-Scenes Sequences within Single Works I: Sequencing for Chronology: Boccaccio’s Use of Epic Type-Scenes

in the Teseida.

II: Sequencing for Characterization: Anglo-Saxon as Other in the

Middle English Athelston

III: Sequencing for Virtuosity: The “Sleeping After the Feast” Type-Scene

in Beowulf

Part Three: One Type-Scene in Three Different Works: Medieval Cultural Profiling: The

“Wise Woman” Type-Scene in Middle English Romance

Über Autor(innen)

Dominique Battles holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Virginia and an M.A. in Medieval Studies from University of York (UK). Her previous publications include The Medieval Tradition of Thebes (2004) and Cultural Difference and Material Culture in Middle English Romance: Normans and Saxons (2013) as well as numerous articles on medieval literature. She has been a professor of English and Medieval Studies at Hanover College since 2001.