Seeing Through the Veil: Optical Theory and Medieval Allegory

Description: Tracks developments in the theory and practice of personification allegory in medieval literature (especially the "Roman de la Rose," works by Dante, and works by Chaucer) in relation to optical theory and epistemology. As confidence in the epistemological reliability of vision and language diminishes historically, allegory becomes a less confident genre. According to Akbari, there is a "distinct progression in Chaucer's use of faculty psychology," particularly his "use of vision as a metaphor for knowing."; As confidence in the epistemological reliability of vision and language diminishes historically, allegory becomes a less confident genre. According to Akbari, there is a "distinct progression in Chaucer's use of faculty psychology," particularly his "use of vision as a metaphor for knowing." Reliance on allegorical vision in his early works (BD, SNT, Bo) gives way to dependence on sound (PF, HF, LGWP) and eventually to abandonment of personification and allegory in CT (Mel and MerT), although vestiges remain.

Chaucer Subjects: Background and General Criticism.; Book of the Duchess.; Boece.; Parliament of Fowls.; House of Fame.; Legend of Good Women; Merchant and His Tale.; Tale of Melibee.