Chaucer's models of dreaming: definitions, sources, and meaning

Antelmi, Gerardina 2011. Chaucer's models of dreaming: definitions, sources, and meaning. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.

Preview

PDF - Accepted Post-Print Version Download (14MB) | Preview

Abstract

This diesis is a study of the oneiric imagery in Chaucer’s works. Unlike other studies it concentrates on ‘dream* as conveying the wider significance of a transitional state ofconsciousness other than ordinary awareness. It aims particularly to investigate the significance o Middle English ‘drem*. By showing that further to the physiological‘dream*, ‘drem* encompassed a number of transitional ecstatic states of consciousness, the thesis intends to explore and re-assess the boundaries within which ‘drem* was employed. It also investigates to what extent the intertext of mystics* writing couldinfluence Chaucer’s works, given that symbolic oneiric images common in mystics’ writings are embedded in Chaucer’s narrative. It argues that Chaucer’s oneiric imagery conveys the significance of the poet’s nearly-ecstatic transitional state in which the poet creates the world of poetry. The oneiricecstatic framework impacts on die structure of his works: dream visions and later worksare characterised by a ladder-like ascending structure parallel to the mystical ascending journey of the soul to God. Oneiric imagery epitomising mystical writing underpins Chaucer’s works, conserves similar significance, and signposts crucial episodes within thedreamer’s progress into the thick of the narration.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	English, Communication and Philosophy
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PR English literature Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > Z004 Books. Writing. Paleography
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	03 Jan 2024 17:23
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/54213

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item