Ekphrasis and chivalry in Middle English literature
Date
2025
Authors
Dowler, Campbell
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Victoria
Abstract
Medieval literature frequently takes time to describe fashioned material objects, employing the literary device of ekphrasis. Among the items described are personal wardrobes and accoutrements attached to individual characters, offering readers further insight into their literary, personal, and historical significance. The description of a knight returning from battle in a certain helm or surcoat could subtly illustrate the character’s status or nationality, along with philosophies. Such is the case with Chaucer’s Knight from The Canterbury Tales, and Gawain in Gawain and the Green Knight. Gawain is described at length in lyric verse, along with his well-decorated gear; by addressing his gear through an art historical lens one would be able to examine that deeper level of complexity that may otherwise be overlooked. Informed by art history, my project will examine the medieval texts of Wynere and Wastoure, Gawain and the Green Knight, and selected characters from The Canterbury Tales. I examined what rhetorical teachings of the time taught authors about the role of ekphrasis, particularly relating to characterisation; I then interpreted a sample of chivalric ornaments from the texts and how they relate to identity: these ornaments were Gawain's helm and shield, and the Knight's armour and vestments.
Description
Keywords
ekphrasis, Gawain, Chaucer, knight, armour, art