Parody in two later Middle English romances: "Sir Gawain and the Carl of Carlisle" and "The Squyr of Lowe Degre"

Angela Tenga, Purdue University

Abstract

This study explores the nature of medieval parody, with specific reference to its manifestations in the Middle English romance. The first section establishes the rhetorical, literary, social, and cultural parameters within which literary parodic situates itself, while the following section uses this framework to suggest parodic readings of two late Middle English romances, Sir Gawain and the Carl of Carlisle and The Squyr of Lowe Degre. A number of problems with historical and current views of parody are reviewed in chapter one in order to derive a working definition of this term. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the difficulties encountered in dealing with parody in early texts. The second chapter places these problems in their historical and cultural context. The influence of medieval notions of tradition, originality, and authority are seen as both formative forces and tools for textual interpretation. Subversive forces in medieval society, particularly the medieval carnival, are seen as instrumental in the development of parodic forms. The discussion of Sir Gawain and the Carl of Carlisle in chapter three suggests that in addition to the general influences discussed above, a number of more specific factors--political, regional, and literary--provide insight into the textual issues arising in that work. Similarly, chapter four suggests that social and political developments in late medieval England are interconnected with literary productions of that period, and that The Squyr of Lowe Degre self-consciously exploits these connections for parodic ends. Subversive elements in both romances are linked to their cultural environments. This study concludes that these works employ similar textual strategies to disrupt and subvert the meanings associated with traditional materials. The role of parody as a transforming force in literary history is discussed, and it is suggested that greater understanding of literature's relationship to history would expand readers' appreciation of both early texts and parody. Finally, this study suggests that much marginalized literature deserves a second look, but that rigid canonical definitions and pedantry continue to impede progress in academic literary study.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Hughes, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Literature|Middle Ages|British and Irish literature

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