Literate Laughter: Critical Essays in Medieval Narrative and Poetry

by John C. Jacobs, Markus C. Liechti

This volume serves as an introduction to the critical principles and practices of the renowned medievalist Theodore Silverstein. It contains a selection of important essays by Silverstein which illuminate the formal achievement of a range of medieval poets from Chaucer through Dante to the authors of various Gawain romances. In the center, however, stands the anonymous Sir Gawain and the Green Knight which is analysed from various perspectives. Together these essays exemplify a rhetorical poetics of medieval narrative. They are complemented by contributions on courtly love and literary allegory.

246 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

John C. Jacobs was one of the last to complete a doctorate under Silverstein's guidance at the University of Chicago. Since 1987, he has taught at Loyola University Chicago.