Description
Book SynopsisA study of Chaucer's definition of tragedy - with special reference to Troilus -and its lasting influence on English dramatists.This book is concerned with the medieval idea of what constituted tragedy; it suggests that it was not a common term, and that those few who used the term did not always intend the same thing by it. Kelly believes that it was Chaucer's work which shaped notions of the genre, and places his achievement in critical and historical context. He begins by contrasting modern with medieval theoretical approaches to genres, then discusses Boccaccio's concept of tragedy before turning to Chaucer himself, exploring the ideas of tragedy prevalent in medieval England and their influence on Chaucer, and showing how Chaucer interpreted the term.
Troilus and Criseyde is analysed specifically as a tragedy, with an account of its reception in modern times; for comparison, there is an analysis of how John Lydgate and Robert Henryson, two of Chaucer's imitators, understood and practiced tragedy. Professor
HENRY ANSGAR KELLY teaches at UCLA.
Table of ContentsPart 1 Background: Boccaccio's non-tragedies; tragedy an obsolete dramatic genre; examples of illustrious men. Part 2 Chaucer on tragedy: "tragedy" in late-medieval England; a narrative genre; the lessons of tragedy; from dystopia to eutopia. Part 3 The tragedy of Troilus: establishing prosperity; future contingents; outrageous fortune; terminal misery; Troilus in receivership. Part 4 Lydgate on tragedy: the dramatic tragedy of old Troy; contemporary narrative tragedies. Part 5 Lydgate's fallen princes: Bochas in English - the first phase; the criminous tragedies of Book 2; fallings off and beginnings anew; the long goodbye. Part 6 Henryson's tragedy of Cresseid: a singular tragedy; public promiscuity vs secret shame; Cresseid's ugly vision - an action dream; the disappearance of the gods and the complaint against Fortune; reasons and morals.
