A FUZZY READING OF SARACEN-CHRISTIAN INTERACTION IN BOEVE DE HAUMTONE, GUI DE WAREWIC AND ROMAN DE HORN Cover Image

A FUZZY READING OF SARACEN-CHRISTIAN INTERACTION IN BOEVE DE HAUMTONE, GUI DE WAREWIC AND ROMAN DE HORN
A FUZZY READING OF SARACEN-CHRISTIAN INTERACTION IN BOEVE DE HAUMTONE, GUI DE WAREWIC AND ROMAN DE HORN

Author(s): Sümeyye Öztürk
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Middle Ages, Islam studies, Comparative Study of Literature, Theory of Literature, British Literature, Sociology of Literature
Published by: Editura Pro Universitaria
Keywords: Anglo-Norman Romances; Middle Ages; Edward Said; Orientalism; Boeve de Haumtone; Gui de Warewic; Roman de Horn;

Summary/Abstract: Multiple works have been written on the topic of Saracen-Christian interaction in Medieval romances, while combining and commenting on the similarity between Said’s theory and the hostility between two ethnic groups. For a more expanded analysis and further research on this field, current article will explore friendly occasions, shared experiences, tolerant and accepting attitude while at the same time focusing on the hostile side of the relationship as well. Because both ways will be examined, the approach of this paper is seeking a broad framework within which the descriptions of Saracens/Christians, friendships and familial affiliations will be analyzed. Three Anglo-Norman romances have been selected for this purpose, namely Boeve de Haumtone, Gui de Warewic and Roman de Horn. This paper will particularly focus on Said’s Orientalism and subsequently combine his notion with the romances. However, rather than merely emphasizing the inimical tone, the aim is to communicate the fuzziness that seems to surround the romances by means of both positive and negative portrayals. The paper at hand will discuss examples from medieval texts that point to a Saracen-Christian interaction of a more complicated kind rather than entirely conflictual matters as has often been stated.

  • Issue Year: 2020
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 201-219
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: English