Rational Mind, Virtuous Spirit, Erotic Body: The Ambiguous Eroticism of Courtly Love in Chrétien de Troyes' Arthurian Romances.

Abstract

Courtly love exists on the intersection of the aristocratic court and the Christian faith in the twelfth century. It deals with a variety of themes, among which courtliness, marriage, chivalry, and eroticism. The conflict between aristocratic and Christian views of these themes manifests in the shape of ambiguous eroticism in the work of Chrétien de Troyes. This is demonstrated in a series of close readings of Érec et Énide, Le Chevalier de la Charrette, and Cligés, placing the results in relation to courtly and Christian morality in the twelfth century. The texts are approached from the perspectives of sexual agency, the conflict between Christian morality and courtly ideals, and medieval medical theory of the sexual human body. These themes are represented in three chapters that build upon each other to unravel the moral complexities and erotic ambiguities of courtly sexuality. One notable finding is that the sexual agency of courtly lovers can be limited by elements typical of courtly romance: the rhetorical representation of Love, or sexual desire determined by courtliness and performed acts of love, even when in conflict with courtliness. Additionally, erotic ambiguities can arise from the conflict between ecclesiastical and aristocratic morality, and these are occasionally addressed by Chrétien by employing contextual irony in his portrayal of eroticism. Finally, some findings demonstrated that Christian faith and the principle of courtly love can be seen as comparable systems, rather than opposing views. Although the ultimate goal is different, i.e., eternal salvation in heaven and receiving the love of the object of one’s desire, the steps leading to that goal, and the traits that are promoted within the systems are similar.