in:
English studies
Lisse:
2012
,
138 - 149 S.
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Weitere Informationen
| Einrichtung: | Ariadne | Wien |
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| Verfasst von: | Wang, Laura |
| In: | English studies |
| Jahr: | 2012 |
| Sprache: | Englisch |
| Beschreibung: | |
| Although Robert Henryson's Testament of Cresseid has attracted plenty of critical commentary, relatively little of it has focused on the pivotal moment near the end of the poem, when Henryson portrays Cresseid writing her testament. This essay aims to refocus critical attention on this moment and its significance. Drawing on the contexts of medieval literary and legal history, this essay argues that Henryson treats Cresseid more humanely than is commonly thought, for he portrays her producing, via her testament, both a beautiful work of art and a moving attempt to defend herself against future slander. As a work of art, Cresseid's testament departs from the conventional satirical and devotional modes of testamentary writing in favour of the tragic, to powerful effect. Moreover, like many real medieval women's wills, it reflects a conscious act of self-revision, of shaping a posthumous reputation. Considering Cresseid's plight as an exiled leper and divorcée, and the legal constraints on such people in the world Henryson knew, her act of testament-writing is in itself an impressive reclamation of agency. This essay ultimately suggests that Henryson's heroine redeems herself through her writing despite the many books that continue to slander her. | |
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