Medieval Literature: An Introduction to Type-Scenes
By Dominique Battles
Routledge
ISBN: 9781032439570
In medieval literature, one can find many scene types—familiar moments or sequences in a story, much like tropes. This book explores over thirty of these, such as acquiring a magic ring, the hero obtaining their weapon, or encountering a wise woman.
Excerpt:
In simplest terms, a type-scene is a recurring scene that conveys meaning through a predictable configuration of characters, setting, and action – elements that are, themselves, predictable. The scene may or may not contain dialogue, as the familiar choreography alone can sufficiently signal to the audience what is happening and why. Type-scenes recur because they do necessary work in advancing the narrative, both structurally, in upholding the plot, and conceptually, in shaping understanding of the story.
Who is this book for?
This guide is a must-read for fans of medieval literature, offering fresh insights by examining the clichés and motifs used by medieval authors. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone studying Western medieval literature, making it a worthy addition to any scholar’s collection.
The Author
Dominique Battles is a professor of English and Medieval Studies at Hanover College, where she researches medieval literature.
You can learn more about this book from the publisher’s website.
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