Intersecting the Ideal and the Real, Chivalry and Rape, Respect and Dishonor: The Problematics of Sexual Relationships in 'Troilus and Criseyde,' 'Athelston,' and 'Sir Tristrem'

Author / Editor
Jost, Jean E.

Title
Intersecting the Ideal and the Real, Chivalry and Rape, Respect and Dishonor: The Problematics of Sexual Relationships in 'Troilus and Criseyde,' 'Athelston,' and 'Sir Tristrem'

Published
Albrecht Classen, ed. Sexuality in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Times: New Approaches to a Fundamental Cultural-Historical and Literary-Anthropological Theme (New York: Walter de Gruyter, 2008), pp. 599-632.

Description
Contrasts Chaucer's Troilus and the title character of "Sir Tristrem," with comments on brutality and violence in "Athelston," exploring the "nobility" or lack of nobility of masculine protagonists in courtly romance. Devotion and affection dominate "Sir Tristrem," while nobility is undermined in TC by Pandarus's manipulations and the scenes prefatory to Troilus's falling in love.

Contributor
Classen, Albrecht, ed.

Alternative Title
Sexuality in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Times: New Approaches to a Fundamental Cultural-Historical and Literary-Anthropological Theme.

Chaucer Subjects
Troilus and Criseyde