week 6: Perceval
The first part of our session will be devoted to a debate on the English Perceval.
I suggested we should discuss our perceptions concerning the general character of the refashioning of Chrétien's story, with three alternatives proposed:
- does it appear to be a consistent and meaningful reworking with its own agenda (if so, what would this be?)?
- or a (reductive) rewriting driven by the simple need to achieve plot closure?
- or a rewriting for parodic purposes?
When thinking about this issue, consider
- characterization (what you noted in the last forum);
- plot modifications;
- use of generic conventions;
- humour.
While we'll try to cover all this in the session, together with the themes you suggested in last week's forum,
in this forum I'd like to ask you to note your perceptions of humour/comedy in the narrative. Don't try to be comprehensive, note your first/strongest impression(s).