Description

A fresh approach to ambiguities of language in Piers Plowman. Starting from a consideration of medieval definitions of the word as both logos and verbum, this reading of Piers Plowmanshows that both scholastic and mystic attitudes to language are at play within the poem.Concepts of authority, authorship, interpretation and translation are explored and it is made clear that these are inextricably linked, both in critical debates and in the text itself. The study progresses towards a conclusion that the full potential of language can be realised only when the desire to express things unambiguously is abandoned and ambiguity itself is allowed to be a power and a way of understanding. The rich fabric of Langland's text thusbecomes something to enjoy and participate in, rather than battle with or seek to control. Furthermore, it proves to be a meeting point for medieval and modern theories of text and reading, which are themselves enlivened by this complex and vivid poem. G.A. RUDD lectures in English at the University of Liverpool.

Managing Language in Piers Plowman

Product form

£80.00

Includes FREE delivery
Usually despatched within 5 days
Hardback by Professor Gillian Rudd

1 in stock

Short Description:

A fresh approach to ambiguities of language in Piers Plowman. Starting from a consideration of medieval definitions of the word... Read more

    Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd
    Publication Date: 24/03/1994
    ISBN13: 9780859913928, 978-0859913928
    ISBN10: 0859913929

    Number of Pages: 260

    Non Fiction , ELT & Literary Studies , Education

    Description

    A fresh approach to ambiguities of language in Piers Plowman. Starting from a consideration of medieval definitions of the word as both logos and verbum, this reading of Piers Plowmanshows that both scholastic and mystic attitudes to language are at play within the poem.Concepts of authority, authorship, interpretation and translation are explored and it is made clear that these are inextricably linked, both in critical debates and in the text itself. The study progresses towards a conclusion that the full potential of language can be realised only when the desire to express things unambiguously is abandoned and ambiguity itself is allowed to be a power and a way of understanding. The rich fabric of Langland's text thusbecomes something to enjoy and participate in, rather than battle with or seek to control. Furthermore, it proves to be a meeting point for medieval and modern theories of text and reading, which are themselves enlivened by this complex and vivid poem. G.A. RUDD lectures in English at the University of Liverpool.

    Customer Reviews

    Be the first to write a review
    0%
    (0)
    0%
    (0)
    0%
    (0)
    0%
    (0)
    0%
    (0)

    Recently viewed products

    © 2025 Book Curl,

      • American Express
      • Apple Pay
      • Diners Club
      • Discover
      • Google Pay
      • Maestro
      • Mastercard
      • PayPal
      • Shop Pay
      • Union Pay
      • Visa

      Login

      Forgot your password?

      Don't have an account yet?
      Create account