La Pire Aventure d'Yvain: Aventure, conjointure, manufacture dans Le Chevalier au Lion
The Worst Adventure of Yvain: Adventure, Conjointure , Manufacture in Le Chevalier au Lion

Summary/Abstract: In his Novel « Yvain » adapted from an original Celtic TaleChrétien de Troyes named « Pesme Aventure » the mythical Episode whichconstrains Yvain to stand a last qualifying Proof. In this Episode Chrétien hasinserted the Description of a weaving Factory where three hundred captivesMaiden (« pucelles ») are working in awful Conditions. This Passage hasbeen considered for Decades as an Evidence for a social and economicReality of the XIIth Century presenting an unwonted Evocation of a supposedunfair exploitation of these Working girls. In a courtly Novel where feudalRealism is enhanced with the Myth of Folktales it was at least surprising. andshould be justified. These young Ladies, Subjects of a King from « The Isle ofMaiden », are Captives who Yvain rescues out of her Prison in triumphingover two diabolical Champions. Beside the Theme of a mythical Custom theWorking girls' Lament remains difficult to understand in his economicDetails. The shameful Situation the Girls are living should be reconsideredand it is necessary to re-examine the Structure of the Novel in order tounderstand the Signification and Integration of the Episode in it. A newInterpretation of the Words chosen by the Author for the Girls' Complaintcould be fit to rejuvenate the Controversy upon its Signification.

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