Medieval and Modern Deletions of Repellent Passages in Medieval Texts
Document Type
Contribution to Books
Publication Date
2003
Abstract
The Middle English popular romances provide some of the most intriguing variants among medieval texts. Deletions in the Middle English manuscripts of Sir Beues of Hamtoun evince characteristics that cannot be entirely explained by scribal activity. The most significant omissions follow two patterns, both of which operate to diminish Princess Josian's active role in the plot. My personal performance experience with another Middle English text may provide insight into the purpose and motivation for these changes and the process which may have engendered them.
Publication Information
Zaerr, Linda Marie. (2003). "Medieval and Modern Deletions of Repellent Passages in Medieval Texts". Improvisation in the Arts of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, 222-246.