Paradigmatic and Syntagmatic Elaboration, and Middle English Poetic Style

Author / Editor
Stephens, John.

Title
Paradigmatic and Syntagmatic Elaboration, and Middle English Poetic Style

Published
Parergon 6A (1988): 23-35.

Description
The style of PF weights the syntagmatic axis of discourse, whereas "Pearl" weights the paradigmatic axis. This difference is revealed in the way each poem treats lexical innovation, the relation between syntax and verse form, and the relation between sign and signifaction. This last feature suggests an epistemological difference between Chaucer and alliterative poets.

Chaucer Subjects
Parliament of Fowls.