An Imagological Approach to the Transformation in the Codes of Chivalry in Medieval Romances: Boeve De Haumtone and Fouke Fits Waryn

Abstract

This study investigates how the cultural codes in Medieval romances reveal profound knowledge about the values of the Middle Ages societies through the theory of imagology. The image of a knight representing a social class after the hierarchal classification of the feudal system and the codes of chivalry sustained by them are acknowledged to have a remarkable influence on Medieval literature through the romances along with the historical chronicles. Employing the discursive study of imagology, knights are portrayed to possess the primary images after swearing the oaths of chivalry at the dubbing ceremonies. Correspondingly, they promise to carry this title of knighthood with strict obedience to the heroic and moral codes like being loyal to the king and the lady, protecting the good while fighting against the evil, seeking curiosity, and struggling for justice by keeping honour above anything and sacrificing their lives for their country. The abovementioned codes of chivalry are perceived as sacred images of a knight, still, the alteration of these values over time is observed in Medieval texts. The present paper analyses the transformation of chivalric images over time, approximately between the 12th and 14th centuries, by comparing two distinguished Medieval romances, Boeve De Haumtone and Fouke Fitz Waryn. The codes of chivalry in the texts are represented through two valiant knights, Boeve and Fouke, as venturesome heroes of the legends. Th e study observes how these two romances demonstrate the alteration in the perception of the chivalric codes and the social attitudes by embracing new connotations in heroic values. This article employs imagology, the cross-cultural perspective on national stereotypes, and their expression in literary works. The conclusion of the research adopts a constructivist discourse on national stereotypes and their social effects.