"Trewely the game is wel bigonne": ludic narratives in late medieval English literature

Abstract

This thesis argues the existence of a ‘ludic mode’ in Middle English literature which codified perceptions of play and game in late medieval English society. In so doing, it has identified a heterogeneity of highly situational understandings of the ludic which were influenced by social status, religion and an individual’s affinity for the games themselves. Drawing on legislation, sermons, gaming treatises, romance, and civic drama, the thesis examines how the ludic manifests in a variety of popular genres, and provides new readings of popular texts such as The Canterbury Tales, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and the Croxton Play of the Sacrament. The thesis not only argues the ludic foundations of medieval narrative, but also that the ludic’s associations within the period were more varied, situational and conflicted than has previously been suggested.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2029.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Stephen Kelly (Supervisor) & James Davis (Supervisor)