The Narrative Grotesque in Medieval Scottish Poetry

The Narrative Grotesque examines late medieval narratology in two Older Scots poems, fusing disparate poetic forms and creating hybrid subjectivities, interrogating conventional boundaries in poetic making.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

The Narrative Grotesque delves into the intricate tapestry of late medieval narratology through the examination of two remarkable Older Scots poems: Gavin Douglass' The Palyce of Honour (circa 1501) and William Dunbar's The Tretis of the Tua Mariit Wemen and the Wedo (circa 1507). These poems stand as prime examples of the narrative grotesque, a genre that defies conventional boundaries by seamlessly fusing diverse poetic forms and forging hybrid subjectivities. As a result, these poems embark on a provocative exploration of the limits of poetic creation, challenging the very foundations of narratological conventions.

By employing the narrative grotesque as a framework, we gain a deeper understanding of these chimeric texts and the unique ways in which late medieval writers engaged with poetics and narratology. The grotesque narrative disrupts the traditional linear structure, merging multiple storylines and characters in a fragmented and often bewildering manner. It challenges the reader to navigate through a complex web of interweaving narratives, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy, truth and illusion, are blurred.

In The Palyce of Honour, Gavin Douglass employs a rich and intricate poetic style, blending elements of romance, satire, and allegory. Through his vivid imagery and imaginative narrative, Douglass creates a world that is both familiar and surreal, where honor, loyalty, and virtue are tested against the backdrop of political intrigue and personal conflict. The poem's narrative grotesque elements, such as the fusion of different poetic forms, the creation of hybrid characters, and the blurring of boundaries between reality and fantasy, add to the poem's complexity and depth.

On the other hand, William Dunbar's The Tretis of the Tua Mariit Wemen and the Wedo showcases a more experimental and avant-garde approach to the narrative grotesque. Dunbar employs a fragmented and disjointed style, juxtaposing different poetic forms, including rhyme, alliteration, and assonance. He creates a series of interconnected narratives that are both humorous and poignant, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. The poem's narrative grotesque elements, such as the use of humor and irony, the fragmentation of the narrative, and the blurring of boundaries between different worlds, add to the poem's surreal and visionary quality.

Through the study of these two poems, The Narrative Grotesque offers a valuable insight into the rich and complex world of late medieval narratology. It demonstrates how poets of this era were not afraid to push the boundaries of poetic form and narrative structure, employing the grotesque to explore the depths of human experience, challenge societal norms, and subvert traditional storytelling conventions. The narrative grotesque remains a powerful and influential genre in contemporary literature, inspiring writers to explore the boundaries of imagination, truth, and identity.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526160812