Narrative Subversion in Medieval Literature

<p> A story that follows a simple trajectory is seldom worth telling. But the unexpected overturning of narrative progress creates complexity and interest directing the reader's attention to the most powerful elements of a story.</p><p> Exile for example upsets a protagonist's hopes for a happy earthly life emphasizing spiritual perception instead. Waking life interrupts dreams just as dreams may redirect how one lives.</p><p> Focusing on medieval literature this study explores how narrative subversion works in such well known stories as <I>Beowulf</I> <I>Piers Plowman</I> <I>Le Morte D'Arthur</I> <I>The Canterbury Tales</I> <I>Troylus and Criseyde</I> Voluspa and other Old Norse sagas Grail quest romances and many others.</p>