Characterization and Individuality in Wolfram’s ‘Parzival

Wolfram’s Parzival is one of the great medieval romances, but the complexities and obscurities of source, language and the Grail symbol have led to a virtual neglect by scholars of the problems of structure and characterisation. Medieval characterisation tended towards idealisation, symbolism and the view that the individual could be considered a member of a class or type; in Wolfram however the beginnings of individual characterisation can be seen. This 1966 book studies the types and techniques of character-portrayal in Parzival and of the emergence of the idea of individuality. Dr Blamires analyses each of the main characters - Gahmuret, Herzeloyde, Parzival, Gawan and Feirefiz - and shows how Wolfram presents them and the variety of methods he uses. From this approach he deals with the main problems the poem presents and brings out its closeness and complexity of texture.