Constructions of Childhood and Youth in Old French Narrative

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Medieval
Cover of the book Constructions of Childhood and Youth in Old French Narrative by Phyllis Gaffney, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Phyllis Gaffney ISBN: 9781317161349
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: May 23, 2016
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Phyllis Gaffney
ISBN: 9781317161349
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: May 23, 2016
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

What do we know of medieval childhood? Were boundaries always clear between childhood and young adulthood? Was medieval childhood gendered? Scholars have been debating such questions over half a century. Can evidence from imaginative literature test the conclusions of historians? Phyllis Gaffney's innovative book reveals contrast and change in the portrayal of childhood and youth by looking at vernacular French narratives composed between 1100 and 1220. Covering over sixty poems from two major genres - epic and romance - she traces a significant evolution. While early epics contain only a few stereotypical images of the child, later verse narratives display a range of arguably timeless motifs, as well as a growing awareness of the special characteristics of youth. Whereas juvenile epic heroes contribute to the adult agenda by displaying precocious strength and wisdom, romance children are on the receiving end, requiring guidance and education. Gaffney also profiles the intriguing phenomenon of enfances poems, singing the youthful deeds of established heroes: these 'prequels' combine epic and romance features in distinctive ways. Approaching the history of childhood and youth through the lens of literary genre, this study shows how imaginative texts can both shape and reflect the historical development and cultural construction of emotional values.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

What do we know of medieval childhood? Were boundaries always clear between childhood and young adulthood? Was medieval childhood gendered? Scholars have been debating such questions over half a century. Can evidence from imaginative literature test the conclusions of historians? Phyllis Gaffney's innovative book reveals contrast and change in the portrayal of childhood and youth by looking at vernacular French narratives composed between 1100 and 1220. Covering over sixty poems from two major genres - epic and romance - she traces a significant evolution. While early epics contain only a few stereotypical images of the child, later verse narratives display a range of arguably timeless motifs, as well as a growing awareness of the special characteristics of youth. Whereas juvenile epic heroes contribute to the adult agenda by displaying precocious strength and wisdom, romance children are on the receiving end, requiring guidance and education. Gaffney also profiles the intriguing phenomenon of enfances poems, singing the youthful deeds of established heroes: these 'prequels' combine epic and romance features in distinctive ways. Approaching the history of childhood and youth through the lens of literary genre, this study shows how imaginative texts can both shape and reflect the historical development and cultural construction of emotional values.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Islam and the Everyday World by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book Populists in Power by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book Making the Right Decisions by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book Quasi-state Entities and International Criminal Justice by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book College Organization and Professional Development by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book World Faiths in Education by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book The Framework for Innovation by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book Self-Knowledge and the Self by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book Preparing Psychologists for the 21st Century by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book The Conquest of Happiness by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book Asylums by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book Fado and the Place of Longing by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book The Dark Side of the Workplace by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book The Philosophy of Wine by Phyllis Gaffney
Cover of the book History, Historicity and Science by Phyllis Gaffney
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy