Chaucer to Shakespeare, 1337-1580

by SunHee Kim Gertz

In the 250 years introduced here, literature reflects key transitions, embedded as it is in far-reaching political, religious and socio-economic transformations. This volume tracks some of the resulting tensions in various genres, especially those that re-integrate or respond to the traditional. Such literature is examined by using the tools of rhetoric and semiotics, interpreting from the author-audience axis and focusing on dissonant markers in canonical as well as in less well-known narratives. SunHee Kim Gertz looks at the history and culture of the era in order to contextualise the work she examines, including Sir Gawain and the Green Knight , The Book of Margery Kempe , Le Morte D'Arthur and A Midsummer Night's Dream . Offering a refreshing new perspective on a period of rich literary output, that students often find difficult to engage, this will prove a welcome guide and critical companion.

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 6, 2001