Dolor, Ire and Joie A Comparative Analysis of the Expression of Emotion in Chansons de Guillaume d’Orange and Perceval ou le Conte du Graal

Abstract

This thesis compares the emotional representation of Chansons de Guillaume d’Orange and Perceval ou le Conte du Graal through analysis of the emotions of sadness, anger and joy. Sadness is caused by grief, danger and separation and expressed through intense physical displays. Anger results from insult or injury. It is shown through action and words. Finally, joy is comes from social connections or beauty and is mainly found in speech. These expressions are emphasised with emotives through the narrator. However, there are essential differences that shape how both stories convey emotion. Sadness shows that the main characters as focal points of emotional display in Guillaume d’Orange, while Perceval mainly employs supporting cast to act out emotions. Anger is more detailed in Guillaume d’Orange and becomes a source of power for its characters. Self-control is a value in both, but given more importance in Perceval. The romance also uses joy to contrast sadness, enhancing the audience’s experience of emotion. Emotional expression is comparable in its language and causation, both are tales driven by emotion. Nevertheless, the emotions serve different functions within its narrative, and so give a different experience to the respective audiences.