Representing Rape in Medieval and Early Modern Literature (New Middle Ages) [Hardcover]

Christine M. Rose (Author), Elizabeth Robertson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0312236484 | ISBN-13: 978-0312236489 | Publication Date: November 17, 2001 | Edition: 1st

In 13 studies of representations of rape in medieval and early modern literature by such authors as Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Spenser, this innovative book argues that some form of sexual violence against women has always served as a foundation of Western culture. The book has two purposes: to explore the resistance these pervasive representations generate for readers--especially for female readers--and to explore what these representations tell us about the relationships between men and women. Rose and Robertson focus in particular on the way depictions of rape make manifest a culture’s understanding of the female subject in society.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Overall the collective intention to address this highly problematic issue of rape from a medieval and early-modern perspective is very laudable, and all authors challenge our traditional understanding of the some of the key texts in Middle English and Old French literature. This provocation proves to be stimulating and will engender future studies of this topic...Elizabeth Robertson and Christine Rose have a made a valid contribution to future investigations of rape in the Middle Age.' - Professor Albrecht Classen, Mediaevistik

About the Author

Christine Rose no bio
Elizabeth Robertson is Associate Professor of English at the University of Colorado at Boulder and is founder editor of The Medieval Feminist Newsletter.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan; 1st edition (November 17, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312236484
• ISBN-13: 978-0312236489
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,290,984 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)