Emotions in Medieval Arthurian Literature: Body, Mind, Voice

The analysis of how emotion is portrayed in Arthurian legend is the subject of this volume, which includes essays written in English, French, Dutch, German, Latin, and Norwegian. It investigates concepts such as embodiment, the affective nature of mind construction, and the voice's intermediary function as both an embodied and consciously expressing emotion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 221 pages
Publication date: 10 April 2018
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Emotions play a significant role in the Arthurian legend, a prominent and influential tale of the Middle Ages. Literary texts, which encompass a range of languages such as English, French, Dutch, German, Latin, and Norwegian, complicate our understanding of medieval emotions by not only representing characters experiencing and reacting emotionally to the actions of others within the text but also by evoking and manipulating emotions in the audiences who heard or read these texts. This volume focuses on the analysis of the presentation and depiction of emotion in the Arthurian legend, encompassing a diverse range of texts written in these languages.

The essays presented in this volume explore various notions related to the embodiment of emotion, the affective quality of the construction of mind, and the intermediary role of the voice as both an embodied and consciously articulating emotion. Contributors to this volume include experts in the field of Comparative Literature (Middle Ages), Medieval European Literature, and Medieval Literature, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the study of emotion in the Arthurian legend.

One of the key themes explored in the essays is the concept of embodiment. The authors argue that emotions are not solely experienced in the mind or the heart but are also deeply intertwined with the physical body. They explore how emotions are expressed and conveyed through bodily movements, gestures, and facial expressions, highlighting the importance of the body in the emotional experience.

Another important aspect of the essays is the exploration of the affective quality of the construction of mind. The authors argue that emotions are not merely subjective experiences but are also shaped by cultural, social, and historical factors. They examine how emotions are represented and interpreted in different literary texts, considering the influence of religious beliefs, political ideologies, and gender norms on the portrayal of emotion.

The intermediary role of the voice is also explored in the essays. The authors argue that the voice plays a crucial role in the expression and depiction of emotion in literary texts. They examine how the voice is used to convey emotion, including the tone, pitch, and pace of speech, as well as the use of metaphor, simile, and other rhetorical devices. The authors also consider the ways in which the voice can evoke and manipulate emotions in the audiences, creating a sense of intimacy and connection between the characters and the readers.

In conclusion, the analysis of the presentation and depiction of emotion in the Arthurian legend offers valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of medieval emotions. By exploring the embodied, affective, and intermediary aspects of emotion, the essays in this volume contribute to our understanding of the role of emotions in medieval literature and culture.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 158 x 234 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843845003