Emotion in Old Norse Literature: Translation, Voices, Contexts by Sif Rikhardsdottir
Anne Le
Reviewed by: Emotion in Old Norse Literature: Translation, Voices, Contexts by Sif Rikhardsdottir Anne Le Rikhardsdottir, ( Cambridge: D.S. Brewer 2017) 223 pp. We ought to move away from our impulse consider literature as void of emotion, particularly when compared other medieval literatures. This is at the core Rikhardsdottir's Translations, Contexts. In this book, she aims forge news ways reading representations emotions a wide array literature. That is, suggests that there fact an emotive script present throughout corpus, which runs counter long-held thought Icelandic saga avoids or subjective positioning. mines these texts uncover narratives generate emotional impact responses and address dearth research done on studies. Throughout introduction, goes great lengths orient give context reader. At times, can be quite overwhelming, though attempts break it down piece piece. She takes care note her methodology involves selective corpus with attention paid secular works Iceland, shifts between Iceland Norway needed. An example thoroughness comes early introduction discusses emotion itself. When question how define it, not timid about confronting methodological issues arise. As lays out for reader, quickly becomes evident approach must mix science humanities. references modern neurology psychology, even hints toward anthropology. Of course, also brings medicine its conception mind-body continuum. interdisciplinary key, notes goal "not authenticate but locate emotionality within text produced mind probe still resonate meaningful manner mind" (13). way, work negotiates biological processes [End Page 268] different social contexts they construct behavior addition justification interdisciplinarity methodology, spends time discussing importance voice literature, states has been unfortunately overlooked To connection textuality, relies upon Paul Zumthor's theories orality, places emphasis human relation text. turn eschews boundaries orality textuality favor suggesting relationship elements, thereby lending itself vocality. writes "it precisely notion 'vocality' serves premise proposed theorizing emotive" (21). addresses vocality, since concepts are key delivery texts, emphasizes were often read aloud audience. performative aspect possibilities interest because "the interplay voicing forefront" book (22). Thus, approaches vernacular literature—and various genres—while considering means foregrounding aesthetic range expression. divides rest into chapters deal genres themes. first chapter, entitled "Literary Identities Emotive Scripts," introduce lay foundation "literary identities" "emotive scripts" (25,27). Her main objects study translations two texts: Chrétien de Troyes's Yvain ou le Chevalier lion well Thomas Bretagne's Tristran. These chosen demonstrate reconceptualizes coding found French courtly ideology. thoroughly compares...
Comitatus-a Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies