Narrative Subversion in Medieval Literature

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Narrative theory-the study of how we tell stories-holds that good narratives require some kind of subversion. A story that follows a simple trajectory is seldom worth telling. But the unexpected overturning of narrative progress creates complexity and interest, directing the reader’s attention to the most powerful elements of a story. Exile, for example, upsets a protagonist’s hopes for a happy earthly life, emphasizing spiritual perception instead. Waking life interrupts dreams, just as dreams may redirect how one lives. Focusing on medieval literature, this study explores how narrative subversion works in such well known stories as Beowulf, Piers Plowman, Le Morte Darthur, The Canterbury Tales, Troylus and Criseyde,
Voluspa
and other Old Norse sagas, Grail quest romances, and many others.