There is no doubt that Chrétien de Troyes was one of the most influential writers in the Middle Ages, and his poem Yvain: The Knight of the Lion (Yvain: Le Chevalier au Lion) is probably one of the greatest masterpieces of medieval writing. Since there are many different redactions of Chrétien’s Yvain: The Knight of the Lion (hereafter Yvain) today – such as Hartmann von Aue’s Iwein, the Welsh Owein, and the Middle English Ywain and Gawain (hereafter YG) – it can be rightfully claimed that Yvain had a huge impact on the literary world of the Middle Ages. Referring to the English world of literature, YG is – of course - the most popular redaction of Chrétien’s Yvain. However, there are a lot of critics who argue whether this Middle English redaction of Chrétien’s Yvain should be regarded “as a work of art in its own right or as merely a translation” [Finlayson 1969: 312] of its French source. In order to give proof that YG is a work of its own rather than a pure literal translation of Chrétien’s Yvain, this paper aims to highlight and analyse some striking differences between these two poems. Therefore, this paper will first focus on some differences in terms of form and style, and then, it will concentrate on some matters which are related to different meanings and different focal points of YG and Yvain.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Differences in form and style
- Matters of differences in content, meaning and emphasis
- Love vs. chivalry
- Differences in the social function
- Functions of the lion
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to demonstrate that the Middle English poem Ywain and Gawain is a distinct work of art, not merely a translation of Chrétien de Troyes' Yvain: The Knight of the Lion. It will analyze striking differences between the two poems in terms of form, style, content, and meaning.
- The role of chivalry and love in both poems
- The differences in narrative structure and style
- The adaptation of plot elements for a different audience
- The impact of the English poet's choices on the meaning and interpretation of the story
Chapter Summaries
- The Introduction establishes the historical context of both works and highlights the debate regarding the nature of Ywain and Gawain as a translation or independent work.
- The chapter on "Differences in form and style" examines the shorter length of Ywain and Gawain compared to Yvain and analyzes how the English poet adapted Chrétien's work for a less sophisticated audience. It explores the English poet's use of simplification, omission, and different narrative mechanisms, highlighting his preference for straightforward storytelling over Chrétien's more intricate style.
- The chapter "Matters of differences in content, meaning and emphasis" delves into the differing treatment of love and chivalry in the two poems. It explores how the English poet subordinates love to chivalry, contrasting this with Chrétien's balanced portrayal of both themes.
Keywords
The key terms and concepts explored in this analysis include: Middle English literature, Arthurian romances, Chrétien de Troyes, Yvain: The Knight of the Lion, Ywain and Gawain, chivalry, love, narrative structure, style, adaptation, translation, audience, and interpretation. This paper investigates the complex relationship between the two poems, highlighting the unique aspects of each and shedding light on the English poet's creative choices in adapting Chrétien's masterpiece.
- Quote paper
- Master of Education Thomas Schachtebeck (Author), 2006, "Ywain and Gawain" and Chrétien de Troyes’ "Yvain: The Knight of the Lion" in contrast, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/165053
