Transforming talk : the problem with gossip in late medieval England / Susan E. Phillips.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Phillips, Susan E., 1970- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Chaucer, Geoffrey, -1400--Criticism and interpretation.

Chaucer, Geoffrey.

English literature--Middle English, 1100-1500--History and criticism.

English literature.

Gossip in literature.

Social interaction in literature.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (x, 238 p. ) ill. ;

Place of Publication:

University Park, Pennsylvania : The Pennsylvania State University Press, 2007.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In recent decades, scholars have shown an increasing interest in gossip's social, psychological, and literary functions. The first book-length study of medieval gossip, Transforming Talk shifts the current debate and argues that gossip functions primarily as a transformative discourse, influencing not only social interactions but also literary and religious practices. Known as "jangling" in Middle English, gossip was believed to corrupt parishioners, disturb the peace, and cause civil and spiritual unrest. But gossip was also a productive cultural force; it reconfigured pastoral practice, catalyzed narrative experimentation, and restructured social and familial relationships. Transforming Talk will appeal to a diverse audience, including scholars interested in late medieval culture, religion, and society; Chaucer; and women in the Middle Ages.

Contents:

Introduction

"Janglynge in cherche" : pastoral practice and idle talk

Chaucerian small talk

"Sisteris in schrift" : gossip's confessional kinship

The gospel according to gossips, or how gossip got its name

Conclusion.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780271034843

027103484X

OCLC:

1080549013