William Chaucer s Chretien De Troyes - 1659 Words

When asked to envision medieval courts, often images from Game of Thrones or The Tudors come to mind -- maybe even Sir Lancelot and jousting. Yet, these television shows and stories derive their inspiration from a genuine historical context so fascinating and pervasive that nearly 1,000 years later Western culture is still transfixed. French author Chrà ©tien de Troyes, who ironically penned the first romantic depiction of Sir Lancelot, wrote many of the tales that inspire modern pop culture. His stories, particularly that of Cligà ©s written in 1176 AD, though filled with sometimes supernatural, amorous, and scintillating drama, can reveal the political and social undercurrent of the Middle Ages. Ultimately, the passionate characters and events presented in Chrà ©tien de Troyes’ Cligà ©s transcend the romantic realm, manifesting as representations of medieval court and the rapidly evolving concepts of magic and science in the twelfth century. By dissecting Troyes’ characters, specifically Thessala, John, and the Salernitan doctors, one can identify the movements they symbolize. Additionally, understanding Chrà ©tien de Troyes’ position in society and purpose for writing furthers reveals nuances in the plot indicative of the medieval social climate. Essentially, Chrà ©tien de Troyes’ Cligà ©s is reflective of the struggle between new and old ways of interpreting science, medicine, and magical practices as well as the ever shifting social standing of court life. Thessala, Fenice’s nurse,Show MoreRelatedCourtly Love and Mediieval Romance7340 Words   |  30 Pagessignificant question. Origin of the term ‘courtly love’ The term courtly love was given its original definition by Gaston Paris in 1883 in the journal Romania in the article Études sur les romans de la Table Ronde: Lancelot du Lac, II:  Le conte de la charrette a treatise inspecting  Chretien de Troyess  Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart  (1177). The term courtly was derived from the term ‘amour courtis’ which according to Paris was an admiration and an ennobling discipline. The lover accepts the