Description
Book SynopsisAn analysis of the ways in which Chaucer uses details of costume, clothing and fabric, enhancing our understanding of and shedding fresh insights into his work. The use Chaucer made of costume rhetoric, and its function within his body of works, are examined here for the first time. The study explores Chaucer's knowledge of the conventional imagery of medieval literary genres, especiallymedieval romances and fabliaux, and his manipulation of rhetorical conventions through variations and omissions. In particular, it addresses Chaucer's habit of playing upon his audience's expectations, derived from their knowledge of the literary genres involved - and why he omits lengthy passages of costume rhetoric in his romances, but includes them in some of his comedic works, It also discusses the numerous minor facets of costume rhetoric employed in decorating his texts. Chaucer and Array responds to the questions posed by medievalists concerning Chaucer's characteristic pattern of apportioning descriptive detail in his characterization by costume. It alsoexamines his depiction of clothing and textiles representing contemporary material culture while focusing attention on the literary meaning of clothing and fabrics as well as on their historic, economic and religious signification. Laura F. Hodges blends her interests in medieval literature and the history of costume in her publications, specializing in the semiotics of costume and fabrics in literature. A teacher of English literature for a number of years, she holds a doctorate in literature from Rice University.
Trade ReviewIn many ways this book reads like a culminating statement about what the field now knows about the garments that Chaucer's characters wear, and also how we got here. * SPECULUM *
As many folklorists are medievalists in disguise, this book should have broad appeal to us, in spite of its apparently narrow focus. There is much to be learned about historic display and apparel, and understanding just how carefully Chaucer controlled his descriptions of dress, both to elucidate characters and to provide 'surprises for his audience by upsetting their expectations' (186). * JOURNAL OF FOLKLORE RESEARCH *
By extending her study beyond the General Prologue, Hodges provides the sole catalogue of Chaucerian costume rhetoric across his corpus. * REVIEW OF ENGLISH STUDIES *
