AURORA'S ASCENT: CONFLICT AND DESIRE IN THE MEDIEVAL DAWN-SONG (ALBA, LYRIC, TROUBADOURS, TAGELIET, MINNESINGERS).
Item
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Title
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AURORA'S ASCENT: CONFLICT AND DESIRE IN THE MEDIEVAL DAWN-SONG (ALBA, LYRIC, TROUBADOURS, TAGELIET, MINNESINGERS).
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Identifier
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AAI8601692
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identifier
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8601692
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Creator
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SIGAL, GALE.
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Contributor
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Robert O. Payne
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Date
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1985
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Literature, Medieval
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Abstract
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This study analyzes the medieval erotic alba from generic, formal and thematic viewpoints. The alba is examined as an exploration of the effect of sexual love on self-definition, identity and individuality. The conflict between self and society which the alba scenario (centering on adulterous love) implicitly establishes, creates within the lover an awareness of self and a recognition of identity. The lovers' parting at dawn takes on further aspects of this exploration of identity, the parting, as portrayed in the lyrics, becoming a generative act--a drama of individuation: out of the lovers' fusion and interpenetration must eventually emerge two separate and distinct beings. The alba is therefore seen as a genre of being and becoming, of potentiality and possibility.;In the "voice" of the humanized alba lady the poet portrays a figure who differs from her poetic antecedents. Although she explicitly reciprocates her wooer's attentions, she is not demeaned thereby but rather is respected, dignified. An examination of the relationship between the lady and her lover demonstrates that an essential aspect is the equalization of status between the lovers which is a result, not a precondition, of the lovers' mutuality of feeling. This equalization is essential not only to the meaning of the relationship but also to the nature of the lovers' divergence from the rest of society. Other social roles and relationships are also closely examined.;The study concludes with an analysis of the aubades in Troilus and Criseyde as the culmination of the entire medieval tradition. Chaucer's aubades adapt the antecedent tradition while manifesting remarkable innovation. The aubades illuminate the divergent personalities of Troilus and Criseyde, adumbrate the denouement of the story, as well as create the spark for an entirely fresh, vital and ongoing tradition in English poetry.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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English
