The Shadow of Empire: New Europe and Medieval Literary History

Author / Editor
Edwards, Robert R.

Title
The Shadow of Empire: New Europe and Medieval Literary History

Published
Yearbook of Comparative and General Literature 52 (2005-2006): 5-17.

Description
Contemplates relations between Ernst Curtius' imperial understanding of medieval literature with modern theories of postcoloniality, analyzing passages from Marie de France, Dante, and Chaucer to show what they can tell us about the "cultural imaginary of the New Europe." The "double allusion" to Virgil and Dante in Chaucer's dedication of his book at the end of TC poses and reverses attitudes towards tradition and authority.

Chaucer Subjects
Troilus and Criseyde
Sources, Analogues, and Literary Relations