Major Metaphors of Medieval Literature

FAIN: FF-10334-74

John V. Fleming
Princeton University (Princeton, NJ 08540-5228)

To examine a number of recurrent themes and images in medieval literature, such as those of pilgrimage, community, exile, love and conversion and to explore some of the ways in which such metaphors are connected with major monuments of medieval social and religious thought and, especially, the ways in which the figurative techniques of medieval literature are connected with the techniques of the visual arts. The specific literary focus of the seminar will be on the major works of the English Middle Ages which are frequently taught in undergraduate survey and period courses.