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The transposition of the salvational function in the structure of the thematic unit of the birth of the Chevalier au Cygne

https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6355-2018-3-283-294

Abstract

The author of the article analyses the plot structure of the medieval French poems ‘Elioxe’ and ‘Beatrix’, based on the thematic unit of the birth of the Chevalier au Cygne, which goes back to folklore. In ‘Elioxe’ the salvational function is performed by the female character, whereas in the typologically later poem ‘Beatrix’ it belongs to the male character. In ‘Beatrix’ the transposition of the salvational function from the female to the male character results in the inclusion of the episode of ordeal by combat. The role of Divine intervention in ‘Beatrix’ is enhanced, and the legal fight is seen as the fight between God and the devil. The resolution of the state of disorder (in the terms of V. Propp’s theory) is motivated by supernatural intervention and is interpreted as the restoration of justice by Divine aid.

About the Author

Olga Popova
Russian State University for the Humanities
Russian Federation


References

1. La naissance du Chevalier au Cygne: Elioxe / E.J. Mickel (ed.); Beatrix / J.A. Nelson (ed.) // The Old French Crusade Cycle. In 9 vols. Tuscaloosa; London: University of Alabama Press, 1977. Vol. 1.

2. Barron W.R.J. Versions and Texts of the Naissance du Chevalier au Cygne // Romania. 1968. Т. 89. № 356. Р. 481-538.

3. Paris G. La Naissance du Chevalier au Cygne, ou les Enfants changés en cygnes, french poem of the XIIth century, published for the first time, together with an uned ited prose version, from the Mss. of the National and Arsenal libraries in Paris, with introduction, notes and vocabulary, by Henry Alfred Todd, 1889 [compte-rendu] // Romania. 1890. T. 19. № 74. Р. 314-340.

4. Sinclair F. Sacrifice, suppression, subversion: Redefining the feminine in the Enfants-Cygnes epics // Olifant. 1995. Vol. 20. P. 33-61.

5. Boutet D. La Montagne dans la chanson de geste: topique, rhétorique et fonction épique // La montagne dans le texte médiéval: entre mythe et réalité / Claude-Al. Thomasset, Danièle James-Raoul (eds.). Paris: Presses de l’Université de Paris Sorbonne, 2000. P. 227-242.


Review

For citations:


Popova O. The transposition of the salvational function in the structure of the thematic unit of the birth of the Chevalier au Cygne. RSUH/RGGU Bulletin: “Literary Teory. Linguistics. Cultural Studies”, Series. 2018;(3-2):283-294. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6355-2018-3-283-294

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