Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Duggan's detailed and well presented study, designed to be read in tandem with the poetic texts, aims to introduce Chretien to the uninitiated whilst offering fresh interpretations of neglected themes to specialists. A consideration of the life and audience of the 12th-century poet is followed by useful discussions of Chretien's treatment of kinship and marriage, moral values, responsibility, folklore, knights and ladies. Extensive quotations are in French with an English translation.