Knights and Fairies: Fantasizing About the Middle Ages

Catalog description

Examination of literary appropriations of the Middle Ages throughout history, including stories of the Grail. Emphasis on conflicting models that evoke both courtly love and internecine hate; Christian virtue and feudal exploitation, knightly honor and mercenary rapacity; cultural homogeneity and admixture with neighboring cultures. Comparison of seminal French medieval texts with the contemporary adaptations of medieval stories in films, TV series, and video games. Taught in French.