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Order Number 9524206
Metamorphosis and identity: The individual in society in
“Guillaume de Palerne”
Sconduto, Leslie Ann, Ph.D.
Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New Brunswick, 1995
Copyright ©1995 by Sconduto, Leslie Ann. All rights reserved.
300 N. Zeeb RA
Ann Arbor. MI 48106
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METAMORPHOSIS AND IDENTITY:
THE INDIVIDUAL IN SOCIETY IN GUILLAUME DE PALERNE
BY LESLIE ANN SCONDUTO
A dissertation submitted to the
Graduate School-New Brunswick
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Graduate Program in French
Written under the direction of
Professor Mary B. Speer
and approved by
£
New Brunswick, New Jersey
January, 1995
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© 1995
Leslie Ann Sconduto
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION
Metamorphosis and Identity:
The Individual in Society in Guillaume de Palerne
by LESLIE ANN SCONDUTO
Dissertation Director:
Professor Mary B. Speer
Guillaume de Palerne. an anonymous roman d'aventure of the late
twelfth century, offers a complex portrayal of identity based on the
correlation between the individual's core identity-the fundamental
character initially fixed at birth by natal and bodily identity-and the
individual's various relational identities. Close readings of the text show
that the protagonists simultaneously incorporate various antithetical notions
such as change/constancy, individuality/conformity, and wild/civilized. The
poet uses the hidden, disguised, and transformed identities of the
protagonists to accentuate the unreliability of external signs and the
importance of carefully interpreting the elusive truth that is concealed
behind appearances.
Chapter I examines the characteristics of the ideal knight and his
social role in Guillaume de Palerne. shows that the poet undermines the
stereotypical vilain-courtois opposition, and concludes that the poet
presents the eponymous hero as the model for noblemen to emulate.
Chapter II analyzes the four different meanings of aventure in the
ii
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romance, discusses the establishment of heroic identity through a venture.
and offers a generic definition of the roman d'aventure.
Chapter III shows how the poet uses love, duality, and recognition
scenes to play with the identity established by aventure. It also
demonstrates that the protagonists are portrayed both as textual individuals
within the context of Guilllaume de Palerne and as generic types--the hero
and the heroine-having their counterparts in other romances.
Chapter IV examines the narrative strategies of the text and
discusses the poet's use of authorial interventions, multiple points of view,
and renarration to highlight either his professional identity or the
subjectivity of individual experience.
Chapter V compares the Guillaume poet's handling of the werewolf
motif with that found in other werewolf tales of the high Middle Ages and
argues that Guillaume de Palerne represents an important reworking of the
motif. It shows how the werewolf form functions as a disguise in the
romance and concludes that the poet uses the theme of metamorphosis to
accentuate the coexistence of change and constancy within the individual.
iii
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This study, which has undergone a considerable metamorphosis
since its inception, owes its existence to many people. My parents and
family instilled in me a love for reading and an unwavering faith in my
ability to succeed. My colleagues offered their friendship and support.
Over the years I have had many fine teachers and professors, all of whom
have served as role models. I am especially indebted to the members of my
dissertation committee-Professors Mary Speer, Frangois Cornilliat, Richard
Lockwood, and Susan Crane--for their invaluable suggestions. But I am
most grateful to Professor Speer, who introduced me to medieval literature
and constantly challenged me to refine my ideas and improve my writing
style.
iv
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DEDICATION
To Eugene,
my romance hero,
who offered me love and encouragement.
v
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