The Department of French & Italian Student-Faculty Forum Series presents a lecture by
Emanuel J. Mickel
Indiana University
Truthtelling and Satire in the Trial of Renard
Friday, November 18 , 2005
2:30 pm
Ballantine Hall 147
In this paper, I shall place the Roman de Renard in the ancient satirical tradition dating back to the Greek satirist Lucian. Although the “beast epic” is a particular type of satire unique to the Roman de Renard, the nature of its satire, the use of persona, and the need for audience expectation are the same in this medieval satire as in the traditional satirical mode. The trial of Renard follows distinctive elements of the medieval French trial in the 12th century. It is this audience knowledge and expectation, their awareness of the literary and historical milieu, that Pierre de Saint Cloud exploits in his use of satire and in the particular difficulties inherent in a medieval trial.
Emanuel J. Mickel is Professor of French in the Department of French & Italian, Indiana University. His research focuses on the medieval roman and chanson de geste as well as nineteenth-century poetry and novel. He is a specialist of Latin and Old French narrative in the 12th century. His publications include numerous books and articles on both medieval and 19th-century subjects. Along with Jan Nelson, Professor Mickel is editor of 10 volumes on The Old French Crusade Cycle (University of Alabama Press, 1977-2003). His current focus is on one of the most popular works of medieval French literature, the Roman de la Rose.
If you have a disability and need assistance, accommodations can be made to meet most needs. Please call 855-5458.
