Disability in the Middle Ages: Representations of Physical Impairment in Medieval English Romances

Abstract

This thesis examines the various attitudes towards physical impairment that can be seen in Medieval English Romances. The texts that are discussed are 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer (two characters from the General Prologue, and two Tales), 'Emaré', 'The Testament of Cresseid' by Robert Henryson, 'Sir Tristrem', Thomas Malory's 'Le Morte D'Arthur', and 'Amys and Amylioun'.