The Old French Fabliaux: Essays on Comedy and Context

This collection of 14 critical essays examines short comedic tales from the 13th and 14th centuries, commonly known as the medieval French fabliaux. Each essay focuses on a different aspect of common fabliaux humor, as illustrated by a scholarly analysis of one or several original texts. Topics covered include the use and misuse of metaphorical language, the trickster figure, humorous treatments of subjects ranging from seduction to physical violence, and numerous fabliau examples of scheming and deception, whether for purposes of revenge or sexual conquest or for the simple pleasure of successful deceit. Throughout the work, contributors provide a serious analysis of the fabliaux without losing sight of the tales' original comedic content and appeal.