Identity, gender and history in Wace's Roman de Rou and Roman de Brut

Book chapter

Hicks, Leonie V. 2021. Identity, gender and history in Wace's Roman de Rou and Roman de Brut . in: Barrau, J and Bates, D. (ed.) Lives, Identities and Histories in the Central Middle Ages Cambridge Cambridge University Press. pp. 246-263
AuthorsHicks, Leonie V.
EditorsBarrau, J and Bates, D.
Abstract

This chapter uses a gendered lens to examine how individuals' identity changed over the course of their life-cycle in two of Wace's poems: the Roman de Brut - his retelling of Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Brittonum_ - and the Roman de Brut - his verse history of the Normans. Following Patricia Skinner's challenge to consider the potential for rupture and repetition in the life-cycle, the chapter examines the following themes evident in both poems: the uncertainty surrounding succession, the conduct of rulers, the effects of old age, the order of marriage and children, and the importance of otherwise anonymous groups (peasants, old women) at moments of crisis.

KeywordsWace; Norman; Anglo-Norman; Gender; Life-cycle; Roman de Rou; Roman de Brut
Page range246-263
Year2021
Book titleLives, Identities and Histories in the Central Middle Ages
PublisherCambridge University Press
Place of publicationCambridge
ISBN9781107160804
Publication dates
PrintOct 2021
Publication process dates
Deposited17 Sep 2021
Official URLhttps://www.cambridge.org/gb/academic/subjects/history/european-history-1000-1450/lives-identities-and-histories-central-middle-ages?format=HB
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https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/8yv45/identity-gender-and-history-in-wace-s-roman-de-rou-and-roman-de-brut

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